Visually stunning, otherwise underwhelming

Rating: 6/10 (18 March 2017)

Although a film's watch-ability may not be directly implied by its Academy Award nods, there is a reason why the 1991 version became the first animated feature film ever to be nominated for the Best Picture category. That version had everything: gorgeous animation, songs of warmth and affection, tremendous voice acting, and a story that was both traditional and far-ahead of its time. We all know how Belle, well-read as she is and dissatisfied with her laid-back village life, longs for adventure. Her father, the eccentric inventor Maurice, is a kind of a bumbling simpleton at first, but is indeed a caring parent and protective of his precocious daughter, whose talents are not lost on him. A village which at once becomes a mob on the mere whim of a deeply narcissistic, insecure person.
With such an impression, I was hoping that the live-action version would take the film's already-legendary status even further and make it an all-time classic. Alas, I have to admit I am disappointed. There are several things in this film that were not in the animated version: the lead protagonists' backgrounds are more defined, there is a minor twist in the final act, Le Fou's predicament is more deserving of empathy than the foolish sidekick he was in 1991 are the ones that come to mind.
First up, the story. It stays largely faithful to the original (save for the twist I mentioned above). The humor works rather well, but is rather forced at times, leading to some awkward chemistry between the lead pair as well as between Gaston and Le Fou. In terms of progression, here is where I felt let down: Beast offering his gigantic library as a token of affection to Belle was a pivotal moment in the animated version, it made Belle realize that there is a softer side to her ferocious host. The title song also feels a bit flat; when Angela Lansbury sang with her heart, you could feel the quickening of the heartbeats, the racing of the pulses, and the irresistible magic of the moment when Belle and the Beast dance in the ballroom. As Belle finally trusts Beast by resting her head on his shoulder and the Beast is totally taken by surprise, his servants encourage him further, enhancing the timelessness of both the film and the song. Sadly, the live action has no such charm. The build-up is rushed, the song ends before you can realize what is happening, and Emma Thompson, as celebrated a thespian she is, tries her best but is unable to match Lansbury's memorable rendition. I was also disappointed to not see "Being Human" in this film, it was a song that demonstrated the servants' aspirations and could have served to illustrate how their lives where before the curse took effect. And with just a touch over two hours, the film's pace seems prolonged and ponderous.
I am not sure if the lead pair is miscast. On their own, they are pretty efficient: Emma Watson is convincing in her portrayal of a forward-thinking Belle. Dan Stevens is left to bare his soul as a tortured fiend, which he does mostly well. But its when they are together that feels a bit underwhelming. Paige O'Hara and Robby Benson's chemistry in 1991 was terrific and amazing, the former's gentle civility perfectly contrasting the latter's jarring cruelty and eventually transformed elegant nobility. It was refreshing to see Le Fou (played by the excellent Josh Gad) have a human side to him, which made his performance all the more relevant in these times. Luke Evans is equally superb, as the obnoxiously self- centered Gaston who manipulates people to his will. Kevin Kline deserves plaudits for his portrayal as well. However, I don't think Ewan McGregor was that convincing as a French candelabra, to be honest. With an odd French accent, his banter-filled exchanges with Cogsworth lack the rapier wit of Jerry Orbach-David Ogden Stiers' double team. The film does have some positives though: Le Fou's characterization, the lead pair's backstory (both mentioned above), and the stunningly exquisite production design. The detailing was intricate and dazzling, especially in the castle's interiors and Belle's ballroom gown.
Overall, this film works, but in hindsight, I should have watched this without much expectation. So that would be recommendation.