Disney, Movies

Remember the Magic of Beauty and the Beast

March 3, 2017March 3, 2017 by Kelly Dedeaux

What was you favorite childhood movie? Mine was definitely Beauty and the Beast – I always wanted to be Belle because she was so kind, brave, smart and loved adventure. She also brought out the best in people, a very desirable trait. I’ve been anxiously awaiting the new live-action film from Disney, eager to see the similarities and differences between the classic and the remake. After a screening I was privileged to attend, I left with my expectations more than met. It throws you back to your childhood, and you’re able to Remember the Magic of Beauty and the Beast with this new beautiful, memorable movie!

Table of Contents

Remember the Music

I knew from the previews that they were going to include at least SOME of the songs from the original animated version, and was thrilled that they actually included all of them – but with a twist! It’s really captivating to sit there listening and watching, hearing the same song but with a few changes that make it all the better. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but the songs seemed more REALISTIC, like a mix between everyday talk and singing – but it was still beautiful. Plus they’ve added in some NEW songs, which are just as fascinating as the others, but add more to the film.

Remember the Adventure

From fighting off wolves, to warding off the townsfolk when they attack the castle, they still have all of the adventurous moments from before – but they’ve also included a few new aspects to it, such as when Gaston accompanies Maurice to search for Belle. Or perhaps when the townsfolk get tired of Belle sharing her ‘crazy ideas’, like teaching girls to read. I don’t want to spoil anything – but know that you’re in for some exciting times!

Remember the People

It’s definitely hard to pick a favorite character in Beauty and the Beast – is it the dynamic duo Lumier and Cogsworth? The motherly Mrs. Potts, or playful Chip? Perhaps the Beast captures your heart, or you’re a Gaston fan all the way? While Belle is absolutely my favorite, I think a close second for me would be Le Fou – they added so much to everyone’s story in this film, including giving Le Fou more than just being Gaston’s little tag-along. He’s the guy I would love to have for a best friend!

I also completely love the way they portrayed Belle as brave, caring, and smart, with a great sense of humor. She’s not a cowering girl, but a daring adventurer willing to fight for those she cares for.

Remember the Love

Yes, Beauty and the Beast has plenty of humor and adventure, but down at the core it’s about love. I’m not just talking about the romantic love that Belle and the Beast share toward the end, but also the love of father and daughter, husband and wife, and the staff to their master and to each other. They even go further into the friendship of Le Fou and Gaston, which I absolutely loved! If it weren’t for these amazing relationships, this story would be a waste and nothing would end happily. One thing I love about this film – the original and the new – is that it shows how relationships GROW, they’re built day by day and by each of our actions.

Remember the Laughter

Don’t worry, among all of that adventure and the romance is plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Lumiere and Cogsworth are, of course, at the core of many hilarious antics – but there’s also a lot that Gaston brings in, and Le Fou keeps us not only laughing, but loving him even more each moment. Some of my favorite lines – that won’t spoil anything for you – are something along these lines (forgive if they’re not exactly word-for-word, I was too entranced watching to write every single thing):

A broken clock is correct two times a day, but right now isn’t one of them – Lumiere
Belle: Have you really read all of these books? Beast: No, some of them are in Greek.

Remember the Beauty

How many of us ladies remember swooning over that gorgeous ballroom, and Belle’s sparkling, flowy dress? I sure the heck did – I even had that costume when I was little, and wore it a few Halloweens! The live-action had a lot to live up to, and they did NOT disappoint. It’s absolutely stunning, from the twinkling ballroom scene, to her gown, to the enchanted rose casing and more. The visuals are incredible, and will have every little (or not so little) girl dreaming of living in that world!

Remember the Story

I’m still blown away by the awe I felt sitting there, hearing many of the exact same lines as the animated film, yet having it be different as they added new or different lines, or they were said in such a different way. The storyline is very much the same overall, but you get even MORE with the live-action. Why was the prince so cruel and selfish that lead to him turning away the ‘hag’ and wind up being cursed? Where is Belle’s mother? Why was the staff so devoted to their master if he was so cold-hearted? Yes, you get answers, and they’re amazing. It’s the perfect combination of copying the original, and adding in more dimension and depth to the story.