Beauty and the Beast is fantastic!

Rating: 10/10 (20 March 2017)

Like many children born in the 90's, I grew up on good old Walt Disney films, so in lieu of the live- action version of Beauty and the Beast coming to theaters in March, I decided to review one of my childhood favorites, the animated, 1991 version of Belle and the Beast's story.
The movie opens with the tale of how Prince Adam, voiced by Robby Benson, became the infamous Beast. We learn of his great shallowness and his impending quest to find true love. Flash forward 10 years, we're introduced to Belle, voiced by Paige O'Hara, and the other members of her "provincial town." The story continues with Belle's father, Maurice, getting lost in the forest and stumbling upon the Beast's castle. Maurice is imprisoned for trespassing, and when Belle arrives, she offers to take her father's place in the castle. Belle now has to learn how to live with her new captor and his odd housing décor.
Beauty and the Beast is truly enchanting. The artistry in every scene is impeccable. Each scene is drawn with a realistic style that maintains a dream-like element. The artists created the gorgeous French backdrop with beautiful sunsets and smooth rolling plains. Every detail is beautifully crafted. Belle's gold dress she wears in the ballroom scene is a great example of this. As her and Beast dance, it flows through the scene as if it were made of real organza. Each moment makes you want to reach out and run your fingers through Beast's fur or cup the snow that's fallen to the ground.
The movie finds itself in each beautifully written and wonderfully performed song. From Be Our Guest to Beauty and the Beast, the voice actors do an incredible job with telling their story. The movie also doesn't just take one note with their songs. They vary from having large choruses like in Gaston to being understated and sweet duets like in Something There. These songs and dances evoke a type of joy and love that makes you want to watch them over and over again.
Watching Beauty and the Beast brings a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. I rate this movie two thumbs up. It's a great feel good movie for every age and every family member. I used to watch this movie with my dad, and I can't wait to watch it some day with my children and sing the classic songs together.