Film Review: Beauty and the Beast

Because I grow up reading non-fiction books and   not so romantic novels (i.e Little Women at Mga Ibong Mandaragit), hindi masyado ma-appeal sa akin ang story ng Beauty and the Beast. But I am fascinated with Emma Watson (because of HarryPotter film series) and fantasy movies …so heto na nga ang late review ko.

I knew that Emma Watson really wanted to get this role so I was also thrilled that her dream came true. For me besides sa look, she's a good actress napabilib n’ya ako sa Harry Potter series and The Perks of Being a Wall Flower. In the latter film, she's able to erase in my mind that she's Hermione Granger and it's not because mature na ang role. Anyhow, as Belle, she's not too sweet or idealistic, sakto lang.

Story is not far from what we know. The last fairy tale adaptations na napanood ko were Beastly (yes other adaptation of Beauty and the Beast starring Vanessa Hudgens and Alex Pettyfer/ 2011), Red Riding Hood (Amanda Seyfried/ 2011), and Snow White and the Huntsman (Kristen Stewart/ 2012) so I guess nasanay ako na darker and maangas na ang mga bidang babae. Here in the Beauty and the Beast 2017 film, Belle's charactetr sticks with the original ...sa pagkakaalam ko.  In the movie she likes reading (and people hate her because of this), romantic stories, and to try some other things or go to other places.  

The Beast Prince.  I admit, I don’t know who Dan Stevens is and I am not attracted to his charm.  But I guess for other girls, he’s guapo.  He’s transformation na maging beast ay halatang computer generated but not  bad or distracting naman. At first, he looks giant monster pero thanks sa flow ng story, gumwapo s'ya sa paningin ko.   I believe, he’s heartwarming story is one of the edges of this movie.  Maganda  yung pag-establish ng kanyang charm kahit katakot ang fez. If I am Belle, baka kaibiganin ko s’ya like bff hohoho. The Beauty and her BFF Beast.

Supporting cast and characters. I like all the talking kasangkapan sa mansion ni Beast. Each one has colorful persona and whether popular or not yung voice actors, interesting pa rin for me. And surprisingly, I am familiar with some of them nung naibalik na yung human forms.  Una kong nakilala sina Mrs. Potts is Emma Thompson (Love Actually/ Stranger Than Fiction) and Ian McKellen ( Magneto of X Men Film Series) na gumanap na Cogsworth na naging mantel clock.  Though I know Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge!) and Stanley Tucci (Shall We Dance/Devil Wears Prada) , hindi ko sila na-recognize agad kasi sa kapal ng makeup, but  bilang Lumière na naging candelabra I know na sanay sa theatre acting ang boses nito.

As the main villain, Gaston, Luke Evans looks unnatural for me. I guess it’s because fresh pa sa isipan ko ang the Fast and the Furious and Dracula Untold.  He’s good sa 2 films na ito and of course, he didn’t sing there. But overall, he’s effective in irritating the audience and making Belle’s life so miserable.

As Belle, naibigay naman ni Emma Watson ang hinihingi ng role sa kanya and for me comfort zone n’ya ito.  So sa in a way, hindi masyado naiba sa kilala nating Hermione (minus yung kadaldalan n’ya) at Emma na studious. Pero aaminin ko, feel ko ang saya n'ya sa loob ng library ni Beast. Saya kaya ng ganun kadaming books.

Overall, this film is really designed for kids and recommendable naman.  Pero if you’re looking for something different like in the three movies I mentioned na adaptation from other fairy tales- waley.  Beastly is fit for teens and yuppies pa e. Pagdating sa effects and musical score, carry naman. Na-miss ko lang yung original version  ng  song nina  Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson pero okay naman yung rendition nina Ariana Grande at John Legend.