Inferior To The Original In Every Way Or Shape Or Form

Rating: Null/10 (22 October 2019)

Though there is no denying that the live-action remake of Disney's 1991 animation classic of the same name is gorgeous to look at, thanks to its extravagant production design, radiant camerawork & exquisite costumes, the film still fails to emulate the dazzling quality & magical flair of the original, and is also unable to transport us to its enchanting world.
Directed by Bill Condon, this latest adaptation follows the original faithfully yet never for once manages to capture the beauty & simplicity of its story. Bloated, overlong & ruined by superficiality in nearly every aspect, this visually arresting yet narratively hollow remake brings nothing new to the table. And apart from the nostalgic connection, it's got nothing going for it.
The musical numbers don't have the same effect in the live-action scenario, the extra minutes add nothing to the experience, its eye-candy moments of spectacle are missing the charm required to deliver the desired result, and the supporting characters are poorly sketched. Emma Watson is surprisingly amongst the few positives about this film and her chemistry with Dan Stevens has a certain warmth to it as well.
On an overall scale, Beauty and the Beast is inferior to the 1991 musical romance fantasy in every way or shape or form but Condon's reiteration has an authentic touch & sweet vibe to it that prevents it from being a total disaster. However, the film still fails to offer a valid reason for its existence, just like every other Disney's live-action remake of their beloved classics. It might appease the newcomers but won't garner a similar reception from most die-hard fans of the original masterpiece.