A bit overdone but not without entertainment value

Rating: Null/10 (8 January 2020)

Long ago in France, a handsome young prince lived in a beautiful castle with everything his heart desired, but was cursed by a mysterious enchantress for being selfish and unkind. Years later in a nearby village, the beautiful, bookish Belle--viewed as an outcast amongst her peers--longs for more than the provincial life. Refusing to resign herself to being the wife of boorish nincompoop Gaston, she eventually stumbles upon the forgotten castle that's still inhabited by the prince--now a beast, with several anthropomorphic household items acting as his servants. Live-action version of the classic tale has all the memorable characters and songs (plus a few new ones), with Watson a very appealing Belle, Gad an amusing LeFou, along with rich set design and some good vocal work, but the overuse of CGI--including a horrendous (and not in a good way) Beast strips away some of the magic and dilutes the desired emotional impact. A textbook case of bigger not always being better. **½