Beautiful Adaptation

Rating: 7/10 (27 March 2017)

After overcoming the fear that they were set to ruin another Disney classic by what I branded then as an 'unnecessary' live adaptation, I eventually gave it a watch. Once you get over Emma Watson's blatant auto-tune, I do not think anyone can really fault this film.
The costume, the CGI, the singing of both classic and original songs were spectacular - proving there really is no one quite like Gaston! Luke Evans' portrayal gives you the perfect balance of hatred for the character, but unlike the animation, makes you watch with admiration and love for his witty, self obsessed ways. Just like the arguably new take on LeFou, you really do fall for Gaston! Josh Gad's performance provides comic relief, almost with a similar effect any 'homosexual' character would have in 20th Century cinema but to leave it at that would be unfair. In comparison to the animation, the writers have definitely upped the homo-erotic chemistry between LeFou and Gaston but I thoroughly believe that they have only drawn that from the blatant admiration LeFou shows Gaston in the original. Just from among friends, relatives and the controversial news coverage, it was clear that to have an 'openly gay' character in a children's movie is unfortunately still classed as a 'brave' decision. The comments and actions provided by LeFou are very well timed and executed in a way that is light-hearted and free from conservative restraint, shown with a surrounding acceptance in the final dance scene. For me, having two men dance with each other should not be viewed any different to Belle and the Prince dancing and the Director seemingly had the same thought. It is done with some ease, the camera briefly settling on the actors to show an exchange of relieved, unreserved smiles when they embrace for a dance, simply putting them in the norm - as they should be.
From breath-taking dancing, to singing. Emma Thompson does well to make 'Tale as Old as Time' a stunning blend of old and new, her voice definitely reflecting the beauty of Angela Lansbury's heart wrenching vocals in the original. Every singing cast member did well, even Ewan McGregor with his questionable French accent. Well, everyone except Emma Watson. Although her acting was strong, her vocals weren't up to standard. She seemed to have had the inability to hold any long lasting notes, causing songs like 'Something There' to lose its effect.
Another worthy note is that the film did well to flesh out characters a bit more, the story of Belle's mother adding more depth to her relationship with her father, Maurice. The Beasts' upbringing is more subtly mentioned, but shows something that the original leaves out.
Overall, it is a visually stunning mix of new and old. Even knowing the story line like the back of my hand, it still managed to evoke tears and laughter at the very same point. Nostalgic to us, or new to the younger audience, it was brilliant.