Beauty And The Beast * * * 1/2

The Beast shows the way to a girls heart is through her mind.

Actually Beauty and the Beast can be found in just about every film: Beauty, being boldness, risk-taking and surprise - the Beast being formula - you know, that anti-risk thing they do to make sure it has ticked all the money-making boxes.  

     I’m afraid there is a lot of “Beast” in Beauty and the Beast.  

     Aside from the design of the castle and grounds  rarely did I feel enchanted.  There was contrived magic but not much sense of story book magic. It has many devices but for the most part doesn’t have that much of a heart.  

     For this telling of Beauty and the Beast they have virtually re-done the 1991 animated version with walking talking pianos, wardrobes, cloak stands, teapots, a clock and a candelabra. It’ll be interesting to see if the kids like these characters - which are clearly re-created for boxing up for after-market sales (rather like Star War dolls) - or if they’re more interested in the essence of the story. I hope the latter.

     Really, the best bits are when you have simple genuine human interaction and there is enough of that to get it across the line - just.  Especially as feelings and understanding develop between Beauty and the Beast.   

    As Belle, the bookish village girl, Emma Watson makes a fairly persuasive Beauty.   The Beast is an excellent creation with an animated face that convincingly conveys emotions. He is also a fine example of gentlemanly conduct. Belle’s dithering father is touchingly portrayed. There is a villain of course: Gaston, a comically horrible fellow who wants Belle to himself. He runs around with a toady side kick.

    You won’t be wasting your money with Beauty And The Beast, but you won’t be going away with anything truly memorable.