By Patrick Linehan | Contributor
Does a "Tale as Old as Time" need to be remade? I suppose in order for it to be "Tale as Old as Time," it would have to be eventually. "Beauty and the Beast," starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, was a phenomenal re-telling of the story that so many of us grew up with.
"Beauty and the Beast" blends stunning C.G.I. and reality (only feeling out of place near the beginning of the film), pays attention to phenomenal set detail, stays true to the 1991 animated version and has one of the greatest supporting casts I've ever seen in a Disney film. This new live version of "Beauty and the Beast" rises heads and shoulders above the original animated movie. I know that's a borderline blasphemous statement, but I think it's true. What's more important, however, is the precedent the film has now set for future remakes. "Beauty and the Beast" was nearly perfect as a reboot.
There are three questions to ask before remaking a movie: Why are the filmmakers (re)making it? How long has it been since the original was made? And does the target demographic want it?
Why was the new "Beauty and the Beast" made? In 1991, Disney lacked the ability to bring the story to life because they were limited by two-dimensional animation. Even if you prefer the original, I don't believe you can tell me you do not feel more immersed by the remake. The realistic depth and live actors bring so much more life to the characters we loved.
I'm a 21-year-old guy, and I'm not ashamed to say I openly wept at the beauty of the ballroom scene. It was magnificent, and I felt like I was actually there.
Additionally, Disney has used this film to go back to their roots with Disney princesses. From "Mulan" in 1998 to "The Princess and the Frog" in 2009, the only "Disney Princess" movies were straight-to-DVD release sequels. Releasing a film that parents remember and can share with their children is the perfect way to breed a new generation of Disney lovers.
How long has it been since the original? "Beauty and the Beast" came out in 1991, four years before I was born. I grew up with it because of my older siblings. It's been 26 years since the first "Beauty and the Beast," and that was the perfect amount of time to have between the two. The original has retained popularity, but there's an entire generation of new film lovers. Like I mentioned before, a lot of the people who grew up with the original have kids of their own now. Producing them a remake of a movie released during their impressionable years makes a great bonding experience.
Finally, did the target demographic want it? Absolutely. I'm a part of this demographic. We craved it. I've never seen a group of young adults cry and scream and rave about a children's movie so much. I believe we're the "Disney generation" even though the company has been around since 1923.
The "Beauty and the Beast" remake brought the 1991 classic back to life with stunning details and a quality supporting cast. So next time "Be Our Guest" pops into your head, start singing it. I'm sure people will join in.
