Disney’s new live-action film, “Beauty and the Beast,” was released in theaters March 17, is a strong debut for Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptations.
The original animated film is considered a classic, so the question of whether or not the live-action adaptation would live up to the original was present amongst audiences. However, the live-action kept the same feelings of the original, while adding depth to the story; including more information about Belle’s deceased mother, Beast’s family and the reason why the Beast was cast under the spell.
The director, Bill Condon, added to Belle’s character in the new adaptation. Not only was she special because of her love for literature, but she was innovative and creative just like her father.
Belle is an important character because she empowers women to be themselves regardless of what people say. Unlike the original film, Belle took on the role of an inventor instead of her father, who was a painter.
The music within the movie included a talented cast of singers including Emma Watson (Belle), Dan Stevens (the Beast), Josh Gad (LeFou), Luke Evans (Gaston), Ian McKellen (Cogsworth), Emma Thompson (Mrs. Potts) and Audra McDonald (Madame Garderobe) – some whom have been seen on the Broadway stage.
A new addition to the musical repertoire was a song sung by the Beast himself, called “Evermore.” The song revealed how the Beast felt when he allowed Belle to leave to help her father – it was emotional, sweet and solidified the Beast’s love for Belle. The Beast related better to Belle with the adaptation, in the fact that he also loved books, which made more sense as to why she falls in love with him.
The decision to make LeFou homosexual was controversial, however the comedy between him and Gaston kept the movie light-hearted. Gad and Evans made the characters their own, adding their own spin with original comedy.
The original elements within the live-action brought a new-found love to film like Gad’s addition to the popular song “Gaston” by revealing that he never knew how to correctly spell Gaston’s name.
The movie did not disappoint and should be considered as a part of everyone’s must-watch list. However, if you miss the film in theaters, look forward to Disney’s future live-action films “Mulan” and “The Lion King.”
Though many of Disney’s upcoming live-action plans feature a to-be-determined release date, “Mulan” has been confirmed to debut in theaters in November 2018.
