Based on the success of the live-action remakes of “The Jungle Book” and “Maleficent,” the Hollywood heads have decided to focus on remaking classic Disney cartoons into spectacular movies suited for even older audiences.

“Beauty and the Beast,” starring Emma Watson as the beautiful and smart Belle, Dan Stevens as the charismatic Beast, Luke Evans as the arrogant and overbearing Gaston, and Kevin Kline as Belle’s lovable father, is a gorgeously constructed movie based on a fairytale that had first come out as a Disney cartoon in 1991.

Set in the 18th century, this story is about a cruel prince who was turned into a beast for not helping an elderly woman. Years later, events occur that lead to Belle being taken captive in the Beast’s home, and a great love begins to form that will eventually shatter the curse that was put on the prince and all of the servants in the castle.

Directed by Bill Condon, this romantic picture is unique in its addition of extra musical pieces as well as a new storyline, including scenes about the mothers of both Belle and the Beast that were not included in the original Disney cartoon. This new plot twist might be an added reason that the two main characters are able to fall in love and relate to each other a little more easily.

“Beauty and the Beast” is an alluring film in its ability to make a grand entrance and finish with a flourishing resolution. Throughout the movie, there is a never-ending climax which will keep you on the edge of your seat and provide a nostalgic and joyous experience for all moviegoers.

The movie spans over 130 minutes, but shockingly enough, it does not feel like it. The story contains undoubtedly no dreary scenes that leave you feeling lethargic. There is a certain feeling of intensity during the movie as Gaston tries to win the hand of Belle, and although we all know the ending, it’s almost impossible not to pray for  his demise.

Watson and Stevens enacted an overall brilliant performance. Watson gives a distinguished presentation with her various moments singing as well as her poised acting style, and Stevens doesn’t fall far behind with his strong vocals throughout the film.  The dialogue is straight-forward, and the romantic chemistry between Watson and Stevens is a definitive relationship that leaves the audience with a feeling of satisfaction.

Intricate architecture, gloriously embellished clothing and the smoothness of the animated characters’ dancing and singing are examples of the spectacular visual effects throughout the live-action movie. The details presented in this film are organized and beautiful, and specific aspects that the writers, producers and directors decided to focus on are really what made the movie an intense as well as a dramatic act.

Some critics like Nicholas Barber from BBC have complained that it’s hard to see what the point of the movie is as long as the cartoon exists, “Beauty and the Beast is simply a cover version of a chart-topping song, If it ain’t broke, don’t remake it.” At the same time it really was an amazing movie that targeted all audiences of age and gender, which cannot be said about the original cartoon version.

The original movie, now 26 years old, still has a presence and relevance for children across the world today in its ability to teach the idiom “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” This lesson is what gives the story the seriousness of a classic, while still maintaining the lightness of the film’s humor and really an amazing romance.
An overall beauty, this motion picture’s creativity will spread to future generations and will never be forgotten. So buy a ticket, grab some popcorn and watch the movie that will win over even the harshest critics in the audience.