Decent, Not great by any means

Rating: 3/10 (26 September 2017)

As a fan of the original by Disney in the 1990's, I was optimistic at best about this "remake". However upon watching this...film, I can honestly say I expected better. Beauty and the Beast (animated) is consider by some to be one of Disney's best; not surprising due to it being nominated for best picture back in the day. Contrarily to other opinions, I would say that the casting choice for all characters was indeed sound. Afterall, even a bad actor can be decent with good writing. This film, did not have that luxury. It travels on the coattails of the original as an anchor. It is at best a hollow shell of the original devoid of intelligence and plot. Without too much detail, I would say some characters now steal the show with gimmicks, and the grandness of the world of the original is lost. The movie runs like a stage play, which if any movie fan knows: MOVIES are NOT PLAYS. Concerning writing, I think Emma Watson spends too much time playing "social justice warrior" instead of Belle. While not bad in general, too much of the "plot" is taken up by her antics taking away from much needed character development of both the household and the beast. DO NOT get me started on the Beast. He's supposed to be a bratty kid. He doesn't need "ladies man lessons" if he already was one before he was cursed (seen in trailer)!!! The "gay" concerns aside, It was a bit played up as well honestly. Not all LGBTQ+ men are flaming, dress wearing, makeup using guys. And yes, there was A LOT of them. I will spare you about my problems with Lefou in that regard (regarding that controversy so widespread, you've obviously heard it before). If this had been shown in place of the animated film years ago, it would have never gone down as the timeless classic we know today.