Written by Logan J. Fowler and Justin Matchick
Release Date: March 17th, 2017
Starring: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Emma Thompson, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Kline, Ian McKellan, Josh Gad
Director: Bill Condon (Twilight Breaking Dawn Parts 1 and 2, Dreamgirls, Gods and Monsters)
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is not only a beloved animated film, but it also became a popular musical that took on Broadway and went on tours. That being said, the property itself is very well received, and, the year after its 25th anniversary release in theaters, the movie is getting the live action treatment. Disney has had a hit run of live action films in the past few years, and there’s no doubt they already have an audience for this one. However, will this new rendition cast a spell in the same way the original did? -LJF
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: Disney’s decision to remake their classic animated films in live action has paid off in spades, with most of them breaking box office records and being critically acclaimed. With an impeccable cast including Emma Watson, Ian McKellen, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, and Ewan McGregor, Beauty and the Beast has all the makings of another massive hit, and is arguably one of the most anticipated movies of next year. – JTM
Rate the Trailer: 3 out of 5. The over abundance of CGI really harmed this trailer’s quality, but there’s no doubt that some of the characters within had no other choice but to be made on a computer. There’s still time to fine tune everything, so let’s hope that happens. Other than that, the movie looks gorgeous, and the Beast himself has great special effects work going for him. This is frame for frame just like the cartoon, but the 100% similar nature may harm the live action version because there’s nothing new to bring to the table. Hopefully there is much more behind the curtain. This cast is also phenomenal, and Emma Watson should win over the hearts of everyone as the bookish beauty Belle. -LJF
Rate the Trailer: 4 out of 5. Hearing Al Menken’s theme music from the original movie elevates this trailer to another level. You could play that music over footage from an Adam Sandler film and I’d still be inspired. This looks to be almost a shot-for-shot remake of the original, and it will be interesting to see how well certain aspects translate. The only issue I have so far is the living furniture within the castle. In animated form, they came off as cute and charming. When brought into the real world however, there is an aspect of them that creeps me out, something about the level of detail in them that dips into the uncanny valley ever so slightly. Despite this, the Beast looks great in this format and familiar characters like Gaston are great to see. – JTM
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Theater My girl loves the animated version, and I can’t say I hate it. In fact, I do enjoy it quite a bit. I’m really intrigued by this remake and I know full well because of that it is going to be a theater viewing. Then after watching the movie I’ll have a few beers because it is St. Patrick’s Day! -LJF
Theater, Rent, Undecided, No Thanks? Theater. This is probably going to make about a billions dollars worldwide, and I’ll be a likely contributor to that tally. Disney might be leaning a little too heavily on these live action remakes in recent years, but as long as they keep making critics happy I have no issues with them. – JTM
