In case you've actually been locked in a castle, following in the footsteps of Cinderella and, errr, 102 Dalmatians, Beauty and The Beast has been given the live-action treatment in Disney’s latest blockbuster.
The story is still in line with the classic - minus some slight diversions - with the cursed Beast destined to spend the rest of his days as a former shadow of his handsome self until Belle comes along and saves the day. Apologies for the plot spoiler BUT get with the programme already...
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Dan Stevens, who finds himself swapping Downton Abbey for the Beast’s enchanted castle, had to work hard to look so beastly: “It required a lot of eating. I didn’t quite get to the size of the Beast but I had to get myself to quite some bulk to carry that muscle suit on stilts. So it was a work out everyday.”
Not only does he have the buff body, he has the lungs to match and, when challenged to name a person he wants to duet with, Dan names none other than Dolly Parton, who he thinks shares a few similarities with the beast himself. Who. Knew.
The tale may be as old as time but with Emma Watson at the helm, it feels relevant and oh-ho modern. Many will debate how feminist this take on the classic fairytale is but it is hands down the most diverse Disney film created with Le Fou, Gaston’s sidekick ‘coming out’ in the closing sequences of the film. It may have angered Russia but this subtle moment is an effective step in the right direction.
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Throughout the film you sense Le Fou has a soft spot for Gaston and who can blame him as Luke Evans, who plays the vein figure, delivers THE knock out performance in this remake. Evan’s jaw line is only outshone by his West End trained voice. Shivers to the groin, much?
The characters are indeed expertly cast elsewhere, too. Emma Thompson sings in her finest British accent as Mrs. Potts but it’s Ewan McGregor as the candlestick, Lumiere, who really steals the show inside the castle walls with his take on ‘Be Our Guest.’ Stanley Tucci and Ian McKellan round off the superb curse-ridden staff.
This may also be Emma Watson's finest work to date but that isn’t the only surprising thing you need to prepare yourself for. The harrowing scenes between Mrs Potts and Chip towards the end of the movie will leave you either weeping or full on whaling. You have been warned: bring your tissues.
So what are you waiting for? Accept your invitation and be the guest at the most inclusive and finest of musical extravaganzas.
Beauty And The Beast is in cinemas nationwide on Friday 17 March
