Here again, you have the problem of subtle dimensionality. It goes deep, but it nothing comes toward you. There are a few scenes with snow that seems to fall in front of the characters, but that’s about it for effects directed outward toward the seats.
Let’s talk about the main problem with this movie: that before Belle knows the Beast is an enchanted prince, she falls in love with a buffalo. I am assured by some that Beast is actually a minotaur, but, be that as it may, there’s no excuse for this.
The choice of a buffalo over the most successful townsman is outre’ at best. Now, I’m not saying that I would choose Gaston either. He boorish and brainless. But he would definitely be a good provider and–since I’m told that Godly men Lay Down Rules for their wives (I learned this on Facebook this week!)–Gaston is just the sort of guy girls should be drawn to.
He’s a defender of the town, able to leap tall buildings, courageous enough to battle wild animals, and (nice side note) rich. He owns a hunting lodge and keeps a lot of expensive dogs.
He does drink a lot, but at his girth, he can probably imbibe quite a bit before he hits the .08 level, not that it matters, because he’s a fit fellow and doesn’t drive. He walks everywhere and will have a very long life if he stays away from angry love-besotted bison.
Now, let’s talk about the wrongness of Belle sacrificing herself for her father. It should be the other way around, of course. Father’s an old man and has (as he says) “lived his life,” whereas Belle’s life is all before her. However, she submits to living in a dank cell forever, and this is seen as heroic self-sacrifice. It certainly is that, but I’ll admit to being really relieved when she gets to move to the room with the talking wardrobe that has dresses in her size.
I want one of those.
My boys thought this movie was dull, boring, and yes, lame. Probably, because as young men, they identify more with the Town Hero Gaston than they do with an angry beast. We don’t really allow those here. Also, they were grossed out by the girly-man the Prince turns into with the soft skin and the long hair.