Review: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ live action ‘worth the wait’

MANILA, Philippines — After more than two years of waiting for the live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast,” it has finally come to life and it is worth the wait.

Disney’s remake directed by Bill Condon paid homage to its almost three-decade-old animated fairytale, the 1991 “Beauty and the Beast,” but was still able to inject fresh elements in the film.

It still shared the same story of Belle, this time, played by Emma Watson, a standout girl in her French village, later on meeting the cursed Beast (Dan Stevens) after her father, Maurice (Kevin Kline), stole a rose for her. She will then be imprisoned in Beast’s castle and will meet Beast’s family, who turned into objects.

The rest of it, which leads to a fairytale ending, is still told in a magical way.

What made its plot different was that it added back-story on Belle’s parentage – his father’s burden. The film also added new songs along with classics, which brought nostalgia to those who would have watched the 1991 version of the film – “Tale as Old as Time,” “Be Our Guest,” and “Something There.”

On the other hand, it also tweaked the characters as they added supporting roles of diverse colors, including Le Fou’s character, played by Josh Gad, which is presented as gay in this version. The latter drew controversy and prompted some countries to delete the said scene. Nonetheless, after watching it for ourselves, we found out that it was not that worth raising eyebrows for.

More than the controversy enveloping “Beauty and the Beast,” it is still a perfect family movie with values. A part that may be a little cause of concern is a more violent Beast as this version is comparably darker and more thrilling.

One may look forward to the first dance scene of Belle and Beast but one of the film’s true highlights is the dinner scene of Belle along with the objects. It is eye-catching and may leave the audience clapping, while the former seemingly lacked something after its grand build-up. Thankfully, it was saved by the song, "Tale as Old as Time." 

The lead actress, Watson, exuded beauty throughout the film and her singing voice was moving just like how we imagined Belle to be. Stevens, meanwhile, played Beast better than his prince form where he did not stood out and almost seem forgettable.

Duo Gaston and Le Fou were well played by Luke Evans and Gad. Evans’ was despicable and alpha-male while Gad was comical in an unforced way. The other supporting characters, the objects, were scene-stealers although their human form were also kind of forgettable. 

Every viewer should look forward to be amazed by the acting and voices of Lumiere (Ewan McGregor), Cogsworth (Ian McKellen), Mrs. Potts (Emma Thompson), Chip (Nathan Mack), Madame Garderobe (Audra McDonald), and Maestro Cadenza (Stanley Tucci). The CGI helped better the portrayal of these characters.

Indeed, there may be something there that was not there before, making the tale as old as time worth the wait.

“Beauty and the Beast” opened nationwide on March 16. It is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Philippines.