Tale as Old as Time:2017 Edition

                                                                    "I Can Relate!"

    "Little town, it's a quiet village everyday like the one before...." (I'm sure you know the rest.) Growing up in a town with population 2,500-ish. I always felt a little bit like Belle. Most guys in my town like football and/or hunting. If you don't like one of these you are basically outcast. As a child, I would've much rather read a book or be watching a Disney movie. (My all-time favorite is 101 Dalmatians!) In the new remake,  Belle's father tells her small towns may have small-minded people; but, "small also means safe." Yes, I've never really felt unsafe in my town; but, that's pretty boring. Belle wants "adventure in the great, wide somewhere." I always did too and I always related to Belle. But with this new remake I also realized that Beast also feels like an outcast in his own castle. He thinks his servants treat him as such. Then, I started thinking I'm sure I'm not the only one in this town that feels this way. I think this story and remake is highly relatable.

     In the animated film, my two favorite characters were Maurice and LeFou. (Although, I like most characters from the animated film!) I was not disappointed in either portrayal; however, my favorite here is Beast. His character is more developed and I relate to him more in some ways and less in others. Which may make it easier for others to relate as well. Which I think is great! 

    

                                                     The Controversy: #notmyremake

    I felt for sure there would be controversy over it; however, I assumed it wouldn't be over LeFou. I assumed people would critique Emma and her singing. Or the casting or anything else. No, what some are criticizing is a two-second dance between men. So, maybe these people should watch the movie before deciding if this two-second dance is worth all the effort you are putting in to boycott and protest. If religion is the reason you are boycotting, I get it; however, if homosexuality is a sin, isn't lying? Who hasn't lied? As I always say "Love and acceptance accomplishes far more than hate and shunning!" (Not sure if I heard this somewhere or I made it up!) 

     One might say "Nicholas think of the children!" I am! I think if children haven't been exposed. They will probably just say "that's silly" or laugh. Make sure a two-second dance is worth saying #notmyremake. (Be warned, there are two-interracial kisses. Some say it's the first for Disney. Did you see Pocahontas?)

                                                Oscar Worthy like the cartoon? YES!

      Now that we got that out of the way let's talk about the movie itself. (This is kinda cut and dry because you know the story!) The animated film was the first ever animated film to be nominated to be nominated for best picture back in '91. Do I think it will be nominated? No! But I do think, there will be nominations for best song, costuming among other things. 

      The casting was great. Emma was the perfect Belle. Is she the best singer? No. Was she better than expected? Yes! For years I said Emma would make a great Belle; however, I thought it would not be a musical. The Beast was good too. I feel like he is more of a developed character than in the animated one. Gaston was just as evil and great. I just think it was perfect. And the feather duster is smoking hot once she transforms back to human

      The music there were 4 new songs. 1 from the wardrobe. The song I didn't care for; however, Audra McDonald has a beautiful voice, so you have to give some credit. 2 more Emma sings in both and they are good; however, the song Beast sings "Evermore" left me wanting to hear a reprisal of the song again later. It is perfect! There is also a version from Josh Groban as well, which is even better vocal wise. It also payed homage to Allen Menken by keeping some of the same background music. Also to you Broadway fans, in (at least 2) scenes I noticed instrumental version of songs from the Broadway show.  

       The costuming was great. It was all bright and colorful and didn't try to follow the film exactly. 

       The script was funny and stayed true to the original story (mostly.) But there is 1 twist that I loved! I laughed more than anyone else there; but, that's typical. 

      The scenery is breathtaking. That castle though especially in the ballroom scene. It is a little darker than the cartoon. I jumped several times. 

       I didn't wanna spoil too much, so I'm gonna stop there! 

                                                       Would I Recommend It?

      I truly enjoyed it. If I were grading it I'd give it an A- or B+. I laughed, I teared up. It moved me. I do have one criticism, the "Be Our Guest" scene. It was okay; however, I just really prefer the cartoon scene so much more. I think that scene lost some charm. So I suggest go watch it, if you are nervous about the controversy, stop. It's truly not that big of a deal.