Note: Before I start anything let me state here this film has a major fault, it is just too darn similar to the 1991 animated movie, and that movie is better. There are some differences (besides being live action), but they make little to no difference. Because of this you may leave the theater not knowing why exactly this movie exists or be less impressed because the 1991 movie was just so amazing that this film can't help but pale in comparison. However this film is fantastic if you do not compare it to the 1991 movie, even though that is hard. Because of this I am reviewing this as a stand alone film and not compare it to that movie, because this truly is a great movie despite that. So the grade this movie gets and the review are not affected by this fault at all.
Michael's Movie Grade: A-
Review: Fantastic film.
What really makes this work is just how good the story and characters are. Every character is extremely likable and well thought out. Belle and Beast bonding over books is a brilliant touch. It makes this romance completely believable. In fact the whole relationship between this two characters is downright beautiful and is utterly believable. More than this though Gaston is an amazing villain. He is a lot of fun, but still threatening. This is a hard combination to do and it is done very well here. The story may be a very old fairy tale, however it was adapted to feel more modern here very successfully, and without compromising any of the magic of the original tale.
On the downside is the designs of the servants who were turned into household objects. To fit in with live action there are made to look very realistic. These designs look just plain strange and can be a little distracting (this is not a comparison to the 1991 film, these designs would be distracting if that never existed). However the design of the castle is fantastic and a joy to look at. This feels like you are entering a fantasy world, it is just that good.
Overall a fantastic movie.
Note: Yeah this was hard to write a review without comparing it to the 1991 movie, because they are just that similar. I will say the Be Our Guest scene pales very much in comparison here though. Overall with the other film in mind this is a great movie, but completely pointless.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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