Tale Still Wonderful as Time

Rating: 8/10 (21 March 2017)

I'm not sure why there's so much haterade surrounding this film, but here's my take...
Following the awful mess that constituted the live action version of Cinderella in 2015, I've been anxious for Disney to redeem themselves. What better place to do so than with one of my favorite fairy tales. So, with fingers crossed, I took them up on their invitation to be their guest at Beauty and the Beast . Redemption is a beautiful thing as is this thoroughly enjoyable tale as old as time.
The casting is practically perfect.
Lucy Bevan put together an ultimate check list for casting and checked off every actor/character pairing to near perfection. While I personally don't think anyone can top Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts from the 1991 animated film, Emma Thompson is a very close second. Kevin Kline is shines as Maurice, less dotty and more three dimensional doting/loving father. Luke Evans brings the bombastic buffoonery Gaston to life and the pairing with Josh Gad's LeFou is sensational. LeFou is as devoted as ever, but more thoughtful and considerate as well. Sir Ian McKellen is great as Cogsworth and Ewan McGrogor's Lumiere is perfectly charming (I only wish these two and their friendly adversarial relationship were featured a bit more). Dan Haller's Beast roars onto the screen does the character justice. Emma Watson simple radiates as Belle and has that great mixture of warmth, heart, and tenacity the character embodies.
The music is as enjoyable as ever and has a new freshness with the addition of some new songs and scenes. Added backstory and additional story lines ground the film in reality and bring more depth and maturity, but there's still a nice balance of fantasy and magic. The familiarity and nostalgia of this film is everywhere, but this new version made me smile (and sing along). Kudos Disney, for getting back into fighting form with this one and bringing back some great memories while creating new ones.
I'm giving Beauty and the Beast a solid 8.5. But, don't take my word for it though, be a guest and see it for yourself. I recommend 3D if you can.