A very pleasant experience

Rating: Null/10 (17 March 2017)

If you loved the original animated film or if you love the Broadway production, then I think you'll end up enjoying this production as well. One thing I really liked is that this film provided some more backstory on the curse and filled in some spots the original never made clear. The cast is also very good and they fit their roles well. The singing is also good. Emma's voice isn't as strong as the others but it was nice anyway. And of course the costumes were beautiful (although not as outstanding as Cinderella was). But the production design was gorgeous and would be a shame if it didn't get an academy award nomination next year.
With a couple of minor changes, it does pretty much follow the route as the animated movie practically beat for beat. Although one change I thought was kind of unnecessary/silly was making the Belle the inventor. Its not like it added anything to the story or having Maurice be an artist add anything different but they also barely even focused on it. They show her make one thing and its never referenced again. Not even in Beast's castle is she seen working on something. At least in the animated movie, it served a purpose by making the townspeople already think of Maurice as kind of kooky (and therefore unbelievable when he comes back to tell them of the beast). Plus, one of his inventions actually helps Belle escape from the basement. Here, it literally doesn't add anything.
I saw it in a theater with a bunch of kids present and I heard giggles of delight from them, so I think it will be a hit with them. Overall, I enjoyed it.