A visual treat once it gets started

Rating: 6/10 (24 March 2020)

The film starts slow and uninspiring but after not too long we finally reach the Beast in the Castle and the film gets started. The story is almost identical to Disney's original animated film, so it's best to think of it as the same film turned into live action rather than its own thing, but it's a good adaptation. The performances are mostly great, particularly Ewan McGregor as Lumiere stands out. Gaston lacks the fun and charisma of his animated counterpart, and his sidekick doesn't really get much of a chance to be amusing, but apart from that all the performances are strong. It's nice to see Emma Watson and the others but what really sells the film is the impressive and stylistic visual look to the film - quite simply, it looks really good. It's not something I think I'll revisit, but it was an enjoyable film and I will remember it. If you're a fan of the Beauty and the Beast story then you'll enjoy seeing it realised so capably.