Hats Off to Hollywood: Beauty and the Beast
Duke: Here we are again, folks. This time, Rex and I took a gander at Beauty and the Beast, which landed itself at number 7 on the AFI's top 10 animated movies list. Now, I don't have high hopes for these "classics," but let's see if this one managed to lasso any interest from this old cowboy.
Rex: "A tale as old as time." Beauty and the Beast is a timeless masterpiece from Disney, originally released in 1991. It was the first animated feature to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar, a true testament to its impact and innovation in the world of animation.
Duke: Innovation, huh? All I saw was a bunch of singing furniture and a beast who needed a good shave. The story follows Belle, a bookish girl who ends up in a cursed castle with a beast. The beast is actually a prince who needs to learn some manners and get someone to fall in love with him to break the spell.
Rex: "Don't judge a book by its cover." The magic of Beauty and the Beast lies in its profound message about inner beauty and redemption. The film is a stunning blend of traditional hand-drawn animation and CGI, which was groundbreaking at the time. The ballroom scene, in particular, showcased this innovation beautifully. And let's not forget the music—composed by the legendary Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman—these songs have become classics in their own right.
Duke: Yeah, yeah, the music. I reckon if I hear "Be Our Guest" one more time, I might just lose my hat for good. The film had some charm, I'll give it that. Belle was a likable character, and the Beast wasn't all bad once he got over his grumpiness. But still, it's hard for me to get past all the singing and dancing candlesticks.
Rex: "Music speaks what cannot be expressed." The characters like Lumière, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts brought warmth and humor to the story. Each of them had a unique personality that added depth to the narrative. The film’s historical significance can't be overstated. It marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance, a period where Disney animated films regained their popularity and critical acclaim.
Duke: Historical significance, huh? I suppose that's something. I reckon the movie did a good job of entertaining the young'uns and bringing families together. The animation was pretty, I'll give 'em that, and the story had its moments. But it’s still a fairy tale with a bunch of frills and fluff.
Rex: "Every rose has its thorn." While Beauty and the Beast is filled with magic and romance, it also tackles themes of sacrifice, love, and transformation. It shows that even the most unlikely individuals can change and find love. It's a film that resonates with audiences of all ages and continues to be beloved by many.
Duke: Well, there you have it, folks. If you like a bit of romance, some catchy tunes, and don't mind a few enchanted objects singing their hearts out, you might just enjoy Beauty and the Beast. As for me, I'll stick to my Westerns
, but I suppose there are worse ways to spend an evening.
Rex: "To each his own," Duke. Until next time, folks, keep your hats on and your remotes ready! See you at the movies!
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About the Authors
Rex, who speaks in maxims, loves every movie and TV show, making him the perfect counterbalance to Duke. Rex is also known for rescuing an armadillo and celebrating both Christmas and Chanukah.
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