Movie Musings: Beauty and the Beast

On Friday night, as part of a friend's birthday celebration, I went to see the live-action remake of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. I was nervous to see the film because my sister and I were obsessed with it when we were young. I think we've seen it at least 1,000 times. That might be a conservative estimate. 

As little girls we were charmed by Lumiere's French accent, wide eyed and mesmerized by "Be Our Guest" and trembled with fear when Gaston rallied the townspeople to kill the Beast. I went into the theater on Friday night hoping this version would preserve the integrity of those moments. 

This new Beauty and the Beast is, in a word, spectacular.

Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame plays Belle.

Beauty and the Beast

There was much talk leading up to the premiere of how Watson's version of Belle had much more agency than the character we first came to know. Many articles boasted that this Belle was not just a bookworm, but also an inventor. That storyline is barely touched upon during the movie. Belle does create a new way to do laundry (laundry? really, people?) and she always seems to have just the right tool to hand her father when he's tinkering, but personally, I found the statement "Belle is now an inventor" to be a gross exaggeration. 

Belle's father, Maurice, is played by Kevin Kline. I wasn't aware that he was in the movie, so that was a fun surprise. In this 2017 adaptation Maurice makes music boxes. His storyline remains largely unchanged from the original. Kline and Watson had sincere believability as father and daughter and their scenes together were very endearing. 

Beauty and the Beast

Luke Evans, who I first saw in The Girl on the Train, plays Gaston. Fun fact: while on the Ellen DeGeneres Show promoting the film, Evans admitted he is a huge Adele fan. He practices her songs until he has them memorized and then performs them for his mom. Too cute! 

As Gaston, Evans is the cocky, overly confident villain you remember. Yet somehow, the number "Gaston" is one of the most enjoyable in the film. I can still sing along to every word, "No one's slick as Gaston. No one's quick as Gaston. No one's neck's as incredibly thick as Gaston!" 

Beauty and the Beast

In this new version, Gaston is a war hero, which they use to explain his need to be in command and to pursue battle. 

Gaston's sidekick, Le Fou, is played by Josh Gad, who you may recognize from the Broadway show Book of Mormon. There has been a lot of chatter about how Le Fou would be an openly gay character in this film, but I just didn't see it. There are a few instances where if you are really looking for it, you can say, "Oh, he smiled at that man" or "I think he just winked at a guy," but it was pretty subtle. This Slate article agrees that the "first gay character" push was overly hyped. 

Beauty and the Beast

Dan Stevens, an actor who was totally new to me, inhabits the Beast. In this new version, the Beast's appearance is much more elaborate, including two very menacing horns. As he softens, his facial expressions warm and his blue eyes seem to become more piercing.

Interestingly, in the end, when the Beast transforms back into the prince, I didn't find him as handsome as the cartoon version! BuzzFeed is actually running a poll right now where you can cast a vote for which version of the prince is better looking - the cartoon or the human. 

The Beast's gang of household objects are played by some serious Hollywood heavy hitters.

Beauty and the Beast

Lumiere (my favorite character then and now) is voiced by Ewan McGregor. Who knew a Scottish man could do a French accent so well! "Be Our Guest" has always been my favorite Beauty and the Beast number and somehow they made it even more magnificent. The visuals are gorgeous and at points it felt like you were looking through a kaleidoscope. 

Lumiere's partner in crime, Cogsworth, is played by Sir Ian McKellen. Mrs. Potts comes to life thanks to Emma Thompson. Before going into the theater I didn't know Emma Thompson was in the cast and the entire time I kept thinking, "I know that voice!" She does a particularly emotional version of the title song, "Beauty and the Beast." 

Two of the most musical characters, Madame Garderobe and Maestro Cadenza, are played by Audra McDonald (Emmy, Grammy and Tony winner) and Stanley Tucci. They have some of the best lines in the film and some of the most memorable tactics in the fight against the townspeople at the end. 

Though this version of the movie preserves so many of the best parts of the original, it also has some new dimensions. There are new songs, as well as back stories for the death of Belle's mother and the Beast's childhood. I found these welcomed additions. Check out this USA Today piece that lists the major changes between the two films. 

For me, the most incredible parts of the movie were the set designs and the costumes. The Beast's castle was opulent (pre-curse), terrifying and then dazzling once again. The final scene of the film is a true feast for the eyes.

Oscar winner Jacqueline Durran was the costume designer (she won for Anna Karenina). I really enjoyed her interview with Entertainment Weekly about the design process. I also couldn't look away from this video on The Cut which dives into the construction of the famous yellow ball gown. Watson's dress has 2,160 Swarovski crystals on it! 

Throughout the movie I could feel myself smiling so widely. With each song I was transported back to my childhood living room, singing along with my little sister. I really had to fight the urge to sing in the theater. 

I'm not going to lie to you, I am already thinking about when I can see the movie again. I can't think of the last time I saw a movie in the theater twice, but I just loved this so much.

If you are on the fence about seeing this (probably because you are afraid it can't live up to the original), go! I promise you won't be disappointed. 

*Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Comments

Stephanie Blackburn's picture

How on earth did I not realize that was Stanley Tucci?? I'm so embarrassed.

I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts. Tips judi online

Your blogs further more each else volume is so entertaining further serviceable It appoints me befall retreat encore. I will instantly grab your feed to stay informed of any updates. poker online

This is a splendid website! I"m extremely content with the remarks!. judi poker online

It's late finding this act. At least, it's a thing to be familiar with that there are such events exist. I agree with your Blog and I will be back to inspect it more in the future so please keep up your act. situs judi poker

Nice to read your article! I am looking forward to sharing your adventures and experiences. poker site

The web site is lovingly serviced and saved as much as date. So it should be, thanks for sharing this with us. gambling site

This is also a very good post which I really enjoy reading. It is not everyday that I have the possibility to see something like this. top gambling site

Please share more like that. judi poker terbaik

Thank you very much for this great post. judi poker terpercaya

I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! judi online terbaik

Please share more like that. judi online terpercaya

I recently found many useful information in your website especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing. judi online resmi

Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. judi online Indonesi

Regular visits listed here are the easiest method to appreciate your energy, which is why why I am going to the website everyday, searching for new, interesting info. Many, thank you! D-Central

It's late finding this act. At least, it's a thing to be familiar with that there are such events exist. I agree with your Blog and I will be back to inspect it more in the future so please keep up your act. Budaya Sulawesi

Your blogs further more each else volume is so entertaining further serviceable It appoints me befall retreat encore. I will instantly grab your feed to stay informed of any updates. Kuliner Sulawesi

This is a splendid website! I"m extremely content with the remarks!. Budaya Sulawesi

I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Wisata Sulawesi

I am genuinely thankful to the holder of this web page who has shared this wonderful paragraph at at this place SEO Agency Indonesia

It's late finding this act. At least, it's a thing to be familiar with that there are such events exist. I agree with your Blog and I will be back to inspect it more in the future so please keep up your act. satta king up

It's late finding this act. At least, it's a thing to be familiar with that there are such events exist. I agree with your Blog and I will be back to inspect it more in the future so please keep up your act. kitchen product reviews

It's late finding this act. At least, it's a thing to be familiar with that there are such events exist. I agree with your Blog and I will be back to inspect it more in the future so please keep up your act. shadow fight movie

Going to graduate school was a positive decision for me. I enjoyed the coursework, the presentations, the fellow students, and the professors. And since my company reimbursed 100% of the tuition, the only cost that I had to pay on my own was for books and supplies. Otherwise, I received a free master’s degree. All that I had to invest was my time. best forex vps

It's late finding this act. At least, it's a thing to be familiar with that there are such events exist. I agree with your Blog and I will be back to inspect it more in the future so please keep up your act. History tutor

Your site is truly cool and this is an extraordinary moving article. Judi Online Terpercaya

Azeem Bux's picture

Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. best barber app

Ayaz Rashid's picture

Very nice sharing and article. I am an old trader and I recommend Cheap Forex VPS to every newbie traders

landcruiser prado's picture

best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories
best web directories

Azeem Bux's picture

Makeup trends change every season to match new fashion trends, and this winter, there are varieties of makeup ideas to choose from. Good news is that, Makeup Trends for Winter 2010-2011 season are pretty colorful, as compared to last-year's winter makeup. This winter, makeup is all about creating a look of a delicate and independent woman. Inspire yourself to choose from one of the following makeup styles to look fabulous, hot and sexy. the best makeup tips

Ayaz Rashid's picture

First of all thanks for your nice article. I am using Forex VPS for the long term. And I think if you love trading using Forex EA then you must have to use low latency Cheap widnows VPS.

Azeem Bux's picture

During my commute to Manhattan on the Express Bus one morning, I had the company and pleasure of reading the March issue of Allure magazine. I began by reading the Letter from the Editor Linda Wells and stumped upon this striking catch phrase, the "pursuit of beauty". Linda explains this phenomenon to be much like the pursuit of the American Dream. It is "a right to determine and improve our essential selves, psychologically and physically...that transcends gender, class, race, age and sexual orientation." Med Spa

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

More from Molly

Pop.Bop.Shop. In the News