Jack Goes Confidential: This Beast—A Magical Beauty

Say what you will about kids movies, this is Hollywood magic at its best…

Could BEAUTY AND THE BEAST be the best Disney (live) family fantasy film ever made?

Some people already think so—and you can include me.

The $64 million question: does this fabulous production favor 1991’s animated feature film or fall more in line with the Broadway stage play?

Frankly, I believe it combines the best of BOTH worlds.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’s show stopping production numbers and digitally enhanced gothic fantasy sequences are unlike anything we’ve experienced.

It’s really four movies in one.

On one hand it’s an action movie – but also a comedy.

On the other, it’s a romantic drama and a musical.

Emma Watson is perfectly cast as Belle who is taken prisoner by the beast in his gothic, yet enchanted castle.

No need to explain the storyline, we all know it.

Suffice it say it’s a heart and soul adventure turning into THE classic fairytale.

Speaking of Ms. Watson who glows here reminiscent of a young Julia Roberts, she reportedly chose this role over that of Mia in LA LA LAND—for which the other Emma (Stone) of course won the Best Actress Oscar.

All of that is surrounded by a great supporting cast including Kevin Kline, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, Stanley Tucci and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts.

It’s director Bill Condon’s Disney re-imagining of their own film-to-stage transformation coming alive with the great musical creations by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

Mothers will take their daughters to see it—then go see it again.

As for the guys?

If you can just convince them to come along, they’ll love it too!

Based on advance tracking, the film could open north of $130 million…and that’s just domestically speaking.

So get lost in the fantasy as the Mouse House transforms another one of its beloved animated classics into a live-action masterpiece.

The 2017 Oscar race for Best Picture begins this weekend.

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST opening in 2D, 3D, as well as in various large Premium Screen formats.

My grade: A

Catch JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES Friday mornings at 9:40 a.m. during Kansas City’s Morning News on 98.1-FM, KMBZ.