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Beauty and the Beast 2017

Something There That Wasn’t There Before: Beauty and the Beast 2017

17 March 2017 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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BelleLike many others, I will admit to being afflicted with a bit of “live-action overkill” when it comes to Disney animated classics being “reborn” with live actors, or in the case of Jungle Book, an actor and a lot of computer animation. Disney has waved its magic wand to varying degrees of success when it comes to live-action reboots, and while some did indeed steal my heart (Cinderella), others, well, didn’t. So I approached Beauty and the Beast with great caution, having been such a fan of the original.

The animated Beauty and the Beast premiered a few weeks before my birthday the year I graduated high school. I had been obsessed with the story-line for years, having been entranced by fairy tales all my life, and watching the Ron Perlman / Linda Hamilton television show that wrapped up right before the animated film debuted. I was super into books and reading. I always felt out of place. Typical high school to just-out-of-high school emotions that made Belle such a relatable character. I suppose I should also note that at the time I was very into Phantom of the Opera too, so I kind of had a thing for “unlikely love interests,” I guess. This was also a great era for Disney Animation. Leaps and bounds were being made with technology, and the ballroom scene, quite hyped at the time, did not disappoint. My favorite bit of animation will always be how Belle tilts her head during her opening song, and a little piece of hair falls into her face. It made Belle so real, so perfectly imperfect. So in short, the film had a great impact on me, and I was a little bit worried that Disney was setting itself up to fall short by reinventing the wheel. Boy, was I surprised.

Beauty and the Beast delighted me from start to finish. It was a feast for the eyes and ears. I’ve been trying to put my thoughts into words since I saw a screening of the film on Tuesday, and now as it premieres tonight, I still find myself searching for the best way to convey just how wonderful it was. A thought that kept returning to me as I watched was how Walt Disney himself used to talk about “plussing,” of course referring to his creation of Disneyland park:

“I wanted something live, something that could grow, something I could keep plussing with ideas, you see? The park is that. Not only can I add things, but even the trees will keep growing; the thing will get more beautiful every year. And as I find what the public likes—and when a picture’s finished and I put it out—I find out what they like, or they don’t like, and I have to apply that to some other thing; I can’t change that picture, so that’s why I wanted that park.” — Walt Disney

Now, Walt may have been referring to Disneyland, and even noted that he can’t change a picture once it’s released, but future generations have proven it can be done, and done right, if you have the right folks involved. Something that made this production of Beauty and the Beast so special was the gift of two original production members: Don Hahn and Alan Menken, working to “plus” this version. Don Hahn, a producer of the original (among many other Disney films) returned as a producer. Alan Menken, who wrote the score of the original, working alongside the great lyricist Howard Ashman, had previously written new songs for the Broadway musical adaptation with Tim Rice. Menken wrote even more new music for the 2017 film, which he managed to weave in seamlessly to enhance the story we all knew and loved. Who better to retell the tale than those who gave so much to the original 1991 production?

Beauty and the Beast 2017

Back to plussing, that was my overwhelming take away from this new Beauty and the Beast. The costumes, the sets, the characters and the music were all enhanced and improved upon. I realized, upon listening to the original songs, that most of what we learn about the characters within the animated feature is told to us, through narration or song. We learn that the Beast was a jerk and was punished for that. We hear that the townsfolk think Belle is weird because she reads. In the new film, we get backstory. Belle’s father Maurice isn’t just “crazy old Maurice, always good for a laugh,” he is an artist, who sacrificed the love of one for the safety of another. I really loved Maurice’s portrayal by Kevin Kline. I thought he was the perfect fit and we understand so much more through that performance. We see Belle’s mother, and where she came from. How did they end up in this poor provincial town? You’ll find out in the film. Why was Beast a jerk? You’ll find that out too. The character development is done really well and just enough to lend itself to the story without giving too many details or seeming implausible.

We still learn through song in this version too, with beautiful new music from Alan Menken. I daresay the new songs are my favorite part, with a couple of them causing me to shed a tear or two. “How Does a Moment Last Forever,” sung by Kevin Kline as Maurice is simple and poignant. “Days in the Sun” is a heartbreaking ballad sung by the enchanted castle residents and Belle. And “Evermore” is a show-stopping Broadway-worthy number sung by Beast as he lets Belle go free to help her father. These new songs, and additional lyrics from Howard Ashman that were cut from the original animated film, made me download the soundtrack the minute I left the theatre. The special effects, dance numbers, and sets that go along with many of these musical numbers are so rich and full of fun details, it really makes for a film you want to see again and again, which I think is the perfect tribute to the original.

As for the shocking news that LeFou is a gay character, it was truly much ado about nothing in my opinion. What I saw on screen was someone who had a huge love and admiration for Gaston as a person, and wanted both the best for him, and to be a part of that Gaston persona. But LeFou is also later confused when Gaston’s behavior doesn’t align with what he (or anyone with a heart) thinks is right. LeFou is not simply a bumbling sidekick in this version. He has evolving feelings of right and wrong. You can see him struggling to align his conscience with his adoration of Gaston, leading to an epiphany about Gaston’s personality (granted it takes a while, but he gets it). As for LeFou being gay, if anything, I’d say perhaps he’s bi-, or still just figuring it out. Which is just A-OK to feature in a Disney or any other film. Because, guess what? There are allllll different types of kids in the world, who become all different types of adults in the world, and wouldn’t it be great if all of them saw someone they could identify with on a big screen? Goodness knows I’d much rather have more LeFous in the world than more Gastons, and I’m sure I’m not alone there.

Beauty and the Beast 2017

The other performances did not disappoint, even though I wasn’t initially convinced about Belle’s casting. Emma Watson won me over and became the perfect Belle. I also loved seeing the relationship of Lumière and Plumette, as well as the love between Garderobe and Cadenza. You truly felt for these humans-turned-home-décor-items and their interrupted lives. Don’t even get me started on Chip and Mrs. Potts. As a mom of two older teenagers and one 8 year-old boy, Chip just about killed me. But unless you’ve lived under a rock for the last 25 years, you know it all works out in the end. Oh, one last side note: I’ll take Belle’s flowered “Celebration dress” at the end over the yellow ballgown any day – it was simply stunning!

I left the theatre lifted up and galvanized, as if I’d just seen this tale for the first time (in forever), despite it being as old as time. What a triumph to successfully breathe life (literally) into a beloved story that seemed to hold no place for improvements. The love and veneration of the original is present in abundance. The fresh take and inspired additions show us something there that wasn’t there before, making it an instant classic, yet again.

 

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Reviews, Top Stories Tagged With: alan menken, Beast, Beauty and the Beast, Beauty and the Beast 2017, Beauty and the Beast 3D, Beauty and the Beast live action, Beauty and the Beast review, Belle, Don Hahn, Emma Watson, Ewan McG, Gaston, Howard Ashman, LeFou

Beauty and the Beast Full Trailer and Character Posters

30 January 2017 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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The time is almost here to Be Our Guest and experience Beauty and the Beast’s incredible story brought to life in theatres March 17th, 2017. Emma Watson will bring Belle to life and a host of other stars will make their appearance as the story unfolds on screen. Here is the latest full trailer of Beauty and the Beast, as well as the recently released character posters to give us a sneak peek at the amazing costumes and make-up effects used in the movie. I can’t wait to see it all come together!

 

 

Beauty and the Beast film
Beauty and the Beast film
Beauty and the Beast - Belle
Beauty and the Beast - Beast
Beauty and the Beast - The Prince
Beauty and the Beast - Gaston
Beauty and the Beast - LeFou
Beauty and the Beast - Maurice
Beauty and the Beast - Lumiere
Beauty and the Beast - Mrs. Potts
Beauty and the Beast - Garderobe
Beauty and the Beast - Cogsworth
Beauty and the Beast - Plumette
Beauty and the Beast - Cadenza

What character or part of Beauty and the Beast are you most looking forward to seeing in person? To keep you entertained until you can see the movie, follow along on social media:

  • Like BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyBeautyAndTheBeast
  • Follow BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beourguest
  • Follow BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyandthebeast/
  • Visit the official BEAUTY AND THE BEAST website here: http://movies.disney.com/beauty-and-the-beast-2017
  • BEAUTY AND THE BEAST opens in theatres everywhere on March 17th!

And if you are in Disney Parks on either coast, you can watch a sneak preview of Beauty and the Beast:

For a limited time starting this weekend, a sneak peek of Disney’s epic new live-action adaptation “Beauty and the Beast” will be presented as part of the One Man’s Dream attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort, and in the Sunset Showcase Theater at Disney California Adventure® Park at Disneyland® Resort, where it can be seen in 3D with special in-theater effects. Each sneak peek location will feature an advance look at a scene from the film, along with a display showcasing a collection of props and costume pieces actually used in the film’s production.

This special 8-minute preview from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” begins Feb. 10, 2017 and will be available at Disney Parks for a limited time through March 26, 2017.

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Top Stories Tagged With: Beauty and the Beast, Beauty and the Beast 2017, Beauty and the Beast character posters, Beauty and the Beast live action trailer, character posters, Disney characters, Disney movies, Disney trailer

Beauty and the Beast Live Action Trailer and Images

15 November 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Beauty and the Beast fans can rejoice at the longer look at the new film opening March 17th. That may seem like a lifetime away, but the holidays will fly by and before you know it, we’ll all be stepping foot in the Beast’s castle again.

I’m especially interested in seeing the enchanted household helpers, like Lumiere and Cogsworth, as well as LaFou, since they are perhaps the least “human-looking” of all the characters in the original movie. Here is the newest trailer:

 

 

 

What do you think? It looks visually stunning and with stars like Emma Watson and Ewan McGregor, Sir Ian McKellan, Emma Thompson, and Stanley Tucci, it can’t go wrong, in my opinion. It also reminds me fondly of the “Beauty and the Beast” tv series from the late 80’s starring Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton, which I was a little obsessed with back in the day. Below are some more released official images from the film:

Beauty and the Beast live action

Beauty and the Beast live action

Beauty and the Beast live action

Beauty and the Beast live action

Beauty and the Beast live action

Beauty and the Beast live action

Beauty and the Beast live action

 

What are you most looking forward to seeing when Beauty and the Beast opens March 17th?

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movies & Books, Top Stories Tagged With: Audra McDonald, Beauty and the Beast, Beauty and the Beast 2017, Beauty and the Beast live action, Beauty and the Beast trailer, Dan Stevens, Disney pictures, emma thompson, Emma Watson, Ewan McGregor, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ian McKellen, Josh Gad, Kevin Kline, Luke Evans, Stanley Tucci, Walt Disney Pictures

New Beauty and the Beast Teaser Trailer Revealed!

23 May 2016 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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With all of the recent live-action remakes of Disney classic animated tales, it can sometimes be hard to get excited about the next new thing. However, I will fully admit I’m officially excited. This is just a teaser, but it’s definitely doing what it promised. March 17, 2017 can’t get here soon enough.

 

See the official teaser trailer below, including the first sneak peek at Belle herself, played by Emma Watson. We also hear the voices of Lumiere and Cogsworth too! Click play:

 

 

What did you think? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

I grabbed some screenshots to take a closer look at some of the details from the trailer:

Beauty and the Beast 2017
The ballroom
Beauty and the Beast 2017
A glimpse at the Beast’s family – I wonder if we’ll finally find out his name?
Beauty and the Beast 2017
Belle and the rose

BatB2017

 

The official synopsis from Disney:

 

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, the wardrobe; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

 

Directed by Oscar® winner Bill Condon from a screenplay by TBD based on the 1991 animated film, the film is produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman with eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the 1991 animated film, providing the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as several new songs written by Menken and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movies & Books, Top Stories Tagged With: Beauty and the Beast, Beauty and the Beast 2017, Beauty and the Beast trailer, Disney movies, live action Beauty and the Beast, Walt Disney Pictures

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