Great rebirth of childhood memories

Rating: 8/10 (17 March 2017)

I was sceptical about this Project, especially because it is based on one of the animated classics that defined my childhood. I was scared they wouldn't capture the soul and Magic of it. It turns out they did. At least most of it. I was really positivly surprised that it was done so well. Many criticize it for being a 1:1 Remake of the original but to be honest, that is exactly what I wanted it to be. I didn't want them to Change things, reinterpret things, because we have seen that before in other Versions of "Beauty and the Beast" and it never worked. No they kept it the same, Frame by Frame just live Action which was the right Thing to do. They added some more Scenes to give the characters more depths which was a nice addition as it all fits the characters. Some of the new Songs were great too. (the Beast finally sings!) Acting wise it was nothing to write home about but not bad either. Not too sure about Emma Watson as Belle, although she was fine, she never really entered the character as much as I wanted her too, it was often a little shallow. Dan Stevens as the Beast was great, captured most of the needed elements of the role. The strength of the cast lies in the voice work (and live Action work too) of the supporting Players, mostly Ewan McGregor and especially Emma Thompson. I also loved Ian McKellen and Stanley Tucci had his moments, too. Luke Evans was okay, but I hoped he would be more self ironic. Kevin Kline held himself well, but can do even better. Inspired casting choice however. I cannout complain much about Bill Condon's direction which was well enough especially during the Musical numbers. Great choreography. Costumes and Production desigsn should get some notes next Oscar seaosn. All in all a beautiful Ferry tale that totally worked for me.