This is the tale as old as time that everyone still gets hyped for, and the term "Stockholm syndrome" to still cling onto. The 2017 live action Beauty and the Beast movie just came out two days ago here in Indonesia, but most people have bought the tickets the week before. Of course I was excited for this movie, and I went to the cinema early because I know other people are too. When I got there, it was packed. Good thing I decided to come earlier, or I might have missed the first quarter of the movie looking for parking space. The question is, does this movie live up to the hype?
First, I'd like to address the Stockholm syndrome thing. The original Beauty and the Beast movie that came out in 1991 was perfect to me, but some people said that it's pretty messed up. How could a girl fall in love with a beast who kept her father hostage and gets unpredictably angry at her at times? I must admit it's a bit weird, but in this 2017 live action remake, the writers added some scenes and background to all the events that happened and to all the characters in this movie so that everything makes sense, and most importantly it makes the audience understand why it's okay for Belle to fall in love with the Beast. In this movie, the Beast is far from illiterate - he actually reads the books in his huge library (not all of them though, you'll know why), and has passions that are similar to Belle's. Both Belle and the Beast are outcasts in a different way, which makes them relate even more.
What's a Disney movie without music? There are some new songs in this remake, but there are two that I can't get out of my head; "Evermore" and "How Does a Moment Last Forever". I like both Josh Groban's and Dan Stevens's version of "Evermore", but Dan Stevens's is really good because at the start of the song, he sings as the Beast but towards the end, he's a true prince. "How Does a Moment Last Forever" was sung by Maurice, Belle's father in the movie, and the amazing Celine Dion. This song gives me the feels.
What I really like about this movie is the production design, costumes, sets, and that it's an enjoyable movie overall. I think Luke Evans as Gaston is on point, and the whole cast just seems so put together nicely. The living objects are so beautifully designed and made. You can see all the time and work everyone put into the making of this movie, and it's hard to not enjoy and appreciate the beauty.
The thing I don't really like is that sometimes it feels like the scenes aren't edited flawlessly, so some of the scenes seem to switch a bit harshly.
In the end, it's an enjoyable, beautiful Disney movie. No, it's not perfect, but it will make you smile (not everyone, but most people do). I think it lives up to the hype, because I'm pretty sure the people who are excited for this movie will have a good time. I'm giving Beauty and the Beast an 8 out of 10.