I feel like there is not a lot to say about this film. It was a live action remake of the fantastic 1991 original Beauty and the Beast (emphases on the remake). I felt like this remake did not really bring new life to a story like a remake is supposed to; it just slapped a few new songs in there and called it good. I think that the whole live action Disney thing is a cash grab, but this isn't the time or place to discuss this... To be fair, there were things I did enjoy about this film. I thought the way they did some of the old songs like "Be Our Guest" and "Tale as Old as Time" were done very well. I also thought the film was visually pleasing and the costume/set design was whimsical. Overall, I think this as an average film that did not give justice to the original except for a few spots here and there.

There are so many bad reviews for this film that I'm wondering if I saw the same film. I read all of the negative reviews and all I can say is, this is not the 1991 animated Disney version, GET OVER IT! I enjoyed this film and isn't that the point to get enjoyment? I think some of not all of these negative reviewers are just haters who before even seeing the film had their minds made up to trash it and then found ways to do it. Fiactorrstly, yes, I agree that Emma Watson was miscast. Her singing isn't horrible but it isn't up to par to be the heroine of a musical. Ewan MacGregor is a very good singer (see Moulin Rouge) but his version of Be Our Guest is a little flat compared to Jerry Orbach. In his defense, Jerry Orbach started out as a Broadway musical actor, MacGregor did not. That's a big pair of shoes to fill. His accent was not too bad which is one of the biggest complaints I saw. He sounded authentically French which is to not do a parody of Maurice Chevalier. This is what most actors do including what Jerry Orbach did. I thought Dan Stevens was good as the beast but the CGI make-up was a mistake, it would have been better to use traditional prosthetics. Josh Gad was very funny and stole most of the scenes he was in. The change in Gaston from conceited fool to conceited villain was also not a good change. Unlike most of the reviewers, I thought the CGI effects were good and really enjoyed what they did during Be Our Guest. Could the film have been better, perhaps, but it was not deserving of the horrible things people had to say about it. It certainly deserved better than 1 or 2 stars. If you don't believe me, look at the Metascore which is based on professional film critics. It is green and a fairly high score.

I'm sorry to say this was not nearly as entertaining or captivating as 2015's 'Cinderella'. Despite the great cinematography and incredible visuals, I found it over the top and ultimately predictable. CGI certainly has come a long way and blends very realistically with the real world, so credit to the director where credit is due. Unfortunately, though, I think the film would have done perfectly well without all that CGI. In fact, at times it becomes cartoonish and silly. Furthermore, there's not an inch of credibility to the film. The characters are incredibly bland and boring, probably because they were acting in front of blue/green screens and in studios for most of the film. The characters just didn't feel like part of their surroundings.When Belle sees the Beast for the first time - looking like the Devil himself - she's not even a teensy weensy bit scared of him. Without any hesitation or questions she simply accepts him for being a beast and even when she's held against her will, she still remains cocky and demanding. Uhm, now that's believable for you. Not! I also found the reason behind the curse pathetic. Such an extreme curse just because he wouldn't accept a rose? Fair enough, the reason probably runs much deeper, but its not as if he was responsible for the death of the witch's loved ones or something like that. And to curse EVERYONE in the castle??? That witch has some SERIOUS issues!!The love story was also very unconvincing and predictable and seemed forced more often than not. There was no chemistry between Belle and Beast - or any of the characters for that matter! (The best chemistry was between Gaston and LeFou). The attack scene on the castle was just stupid! It was done so silly and without feeling that it was simply not entertaining. In fact, I found the scene overbearing and painful to watch. And why was Beast not part of this scene? Why was he upstairs staring into oblivion instead of defending his castle or his people? So he was still being selfish. Gosh, he so deserve to be cursed! The confrontation between Gaston and Beast was also not effective, as they've never interacted before. It was just pure Hollywood sensation without any depth. It was bland. Stupid. Horrible. And I'm not even going to elaborate on how utterly silly the transformation scene was once the curse was broken...I also found the Beast's appearance to be very inconsistent. At times it looked really awesome and even scary. Other times it looked like a mask rented from a party supply store. Yes, I know it was all CGI - and maybe that's where the problem lies. Although this is a classic tale, I doubt the film will go down as a classic.

In this movie, the actors all shine together in a bright constellation even though I am not entirely satisfied with Ewan Mcgregor as Lumiere. Not only is his accent ridiculously fake but his performance lacked the presence and humor that this character brings to the story. However the animation of the character compensates for his performance. As for Emma Watson, she is basically the Belle of Hollywood as there is no one but her for that part. Despite a few awkward moments and a singing that she could have worked more on, her performance was overall flawless and charming. With such a leading lady you need a leading man who is as strong. Dan Stevens may not be the obvious choice for beast but his interpretation was on point. In fact, he was able to find the perfect balance for his character in this remake. With one deep gaze, we can see that Beast isn't a monster, he is simply a hurt man who needs to be healed and is really trying to learn how to love. I won't forget to praise Josh Gad's interpretation. Le Fou is no longer a simple, brainless sidekick; he is in fact smart, cultured, stylish, witty, funny and yes gay! What difference does it make? Well first, it means he likes Gaston and is blinded by his sizzled body. Second, Disney and Hollywood are paving the way to a more inclusive place where everyone, including Le Fou, can find a happy ending. While anxiously waiting for this movie to hit the theaters, I was expecting it to be like Cinderella. In others words dusting off a beautiful piece of antique to make new and shiny again. Well, I was gladly surprised that it wasn't so. In this remake, Bill Condon successfully made the story richer while staying true to its heart. What he did was simply create more complex characters. For instance, Beast lost his mother at a very young age and was brought up by a monstrous father with a temper. Even before the spell was cast, his only escape were books. That simple yet genius change makes him more like Belle and that creates more romantic and deeply connected moments between the two characters.' Now can we talk about this fairy tale without mentioning the set where it takes place? Even though it is a summery June in the village, the castle is living in winter. And as the story goes on, the snow melts and it is spring again. I can go on and on about what makes this movie a great movie and a definite must see with musical numbers that makes it look like a "culinary cabaret". But it's time I tell you which of the animated or live version I prefer. The adult in me prefers the live version. However the kid in me has a thing for the animated movie. And as beautiful and moving the live movie is, animation makes everything more magical. While a lot of creativity and great minds are behind those live adaptations, I wonder if those resources would be better invested in creating new movies and let the animated original ones wow us as they have been. I'm looking forward to see where this magical carpet ride is gonna take us next.