Movie Review - Disney's Beauty and the Beast: Nothing Much New In This Tale As Old As Time

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (out of 5)

Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast attempts to tackle some lingering questions from the original 1991 animated classic, but fails to consider the most important question of them all…why? Why remake a movie that was a runaway smash hit; is considered the pinnacle of the Disney Renaissance period; and was nominated for six Academy Awards? Why, indeed. Aside from overwhelming financial incentives, you would hope that a cheeky endeavor of this kind would attempt to add a new spin or some fresh ideas to the mix. Unfortunately, director Bill Condon’s retelling of the beloved fairly tale does neither, instead focusing on a nearly frame-by-frame live-action reenactment of the original. It is expertly done, like a brilliantly executed copy of a master painting, but the end result is something less than inspiring.

The movie starts out on the right foot. The opening ballroom sequence is fresh, showing the young prince and his court in all their egotistical finery. When the witch arrives and casts her spell, the central theme is clear: outer beauty bereft of human kindness and love is an empty, and perilous façade. As the prince, Dan Stevens is dashing and arrogant. The set and costumes, wonderfully designed by Sarah Greenwood and Jacqueline Durran, are exquisite, and there is a kind of breathless expectation as the castle fades into disrepair and the handsome prince transforms into the beast.

Alas, hopes of originality are quickly dashed as we transition to the French village and are introduced to Belle. Emma Watson gives a fine performance, but much like Condon’s direction, the spark of brilliance is missing, as if the weight of expectation has muffled any chance of true inspiration. From this point on, the film lumbers in fits and starts. At times, we are teased with greatness. The high point is the musical number Gaston, which deftly employs the considerable talents of Broadway veterans Josh Gad (Lefou), and Luke Evans (Gaston). Evans is particularly noteworthy as Gaston, but even his brawny persona can’t carry the load as the movie lumbers along, retracing the steps of the original with muted reverence.

In the end, Beauty and the Beast will be remembered fondly. Millions, no doubt, will be grateful for the faithful retelling, and the workman like effort of the talented cast and crew. And yet, there will also be a lingering feeling of opportunity lost. It’s a tale as old as time, but why not make some brand new magic.

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