Ruined by the female lead

Rating: 3/10 (20 March 2017)

This had all the hallmarks of a great live action fantasy epic. Brilliant visuals and great effects, a half decent story with some interesting characters, and of course, it's Disney. What could possibly go wrong?
2 words, Emma Watson.
I know Ms Watson has legions of fans who'll watch anything she is in just because of her Harry Potter connections but almost everything I see her in, she ruins. She has the acting range of a wooden block, her delivery is so stilted here, that it completely takes you out of the film and her facial expressions never seem to change. Seriously, she could have been wearing a mask in this and you wouldn't have been able to tell any difference, she just stares blankly and looks disinterested for the whole film. She's awful as Belle and her dialogue delivery is cringe inducing. I lost count of the amount of times I rolled my eyes when she tried to convey any emotion, it was embarrassing.
Now, I'm not trying to simply beat up Emma Watson because I dislike her, it isn't that at all, but when someone in a film is so bad they make the film almost impossible to enjoy, it really needs to be pointed out.
This could have been a great fantasy epic but I myself couldn't wait for it to end. Shame really, had they have cast an actress with a morsal of talent or acting skill, this could have been really good.
Stick to the original animated film, it's far better.
No doubt it will still make tons of cash though.