A Timeless Disney Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (12 September 2018)

There are very few films that I saw as a child that I still enjoy as an adult factoring in both nostalgia and a critical evaluation. Most of Disney's critically acclaimed films fit that description. Beauty And The Beast was the earliest film I recall seeing in the theater. I didn't fully appreciate it at the time, but because it was so popular, I have a lot of memories of seeing it just about everywhere. The opening prologue, the musical numbers, Gaston, and the scene of Maurice getting lost in the woods stick out the strongest from my recollections.
I don't recall when my appreciation for the film set in, but I've always enjoyed the Disney films with strong storytelling and great characters. And since it was one of the earliest then contemporary films I recall seeing, I do have a great affection for it. Watching it again as an adult, it holds up perfectly. The songs are catchy and memorable. The characters are very enjoyable. Gaston is a very entertaining yet dastardly villain. The character animation is on par with Disney's classic films, something I wish the studio would return to.
Considering that for several years Disney had not had a major hit until The Little Mermaid, this no doubt was a pleasant suprise to critics.
This is a prime example that a great animated film can still be enjoyed well into adulthood.