Beauty and the Beast (1991)

After “The Rescuers Down Under” came out in 1990, Disney worked on their next big project. An animated adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast.” I already covered my history surrounding the history of the original on my review of the 2017 live-action remake. So, don’t forget to check it out.

Released in 1991, (same year The Silence of the Lambs came out) the movie earned critical acclaim from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to praise, it made enough money at the box office. Three direct-to-video movies “The Enchanted Christmas,” “Belle’s Magical World” & Belle’s Tales of Friendship.” All of them were critically panned. In 1994, Beauty and the Beast was selected in the National Film Registry by the Liberty of Congress.

Disney’s working on a “Snow White” remake with Rachel Zegler. It’s gonna suck big time. They changed the dwarfs and they’re gonna ruin the animated classic. We already have two remakes with Julia Roberts & Kristen Stewart. You know, “Mirror Mirror” & “Snow White and the Huntsman?” To quote Cogsworth, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” One more thing, I’m reviewing a few Disney movies to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary. Most of their works are hit and miss.

It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. We’ve seen this movie countless times, either referenced or parodied in other works.

Beautiful & Ugly Aspects

Beautiful: Voice Actors all did an excellent job for their respective performances.

Animation still holds up for a movie released in 1991.

Gary Trousdale & Kirk Wise did a good job directing. They’re known for “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” & “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

Linda Woolverton (The Lion King, Maleficent) wrote the script.

Humor has some funny moments.

Musical Numbers are unforgettable. My favorite in particular is “Be Our Guest.”

Alan Menken orchestrated the soundtrack and wrote songs with the late Howard Ashman.

Chemistry between Belle & Beast serves as the main highlight. As the movie progresses, they become close to each other. Thank goodness they never had an early romance. They properly get to know each other for a couple months.

Character Development involving Beast. He goes from a spoiled douchebag to a kindhearted individual who learns to appreciate a person’s appearance.

A “Wilhelm Scream” is heard during the castle raid.

Ugly: Belle’s the only person in her village as the smartest person in the world. The rest of the male and female characters are plain dumb. I can’t believe I’m saying this over a beloved animated movie. The way Belle’s portrayed as a genius while a majority of male characters (Minus Beast and his staff) are portrayed as negative depictions of women are smart and men are dumb stereotypes. As a male, I find it disrespectful for not giving any respect to the patriarchy and positive representation. In later years, Disney uses the dumb male stereotype in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy. Particularly, Oscar Isaac’s character, Poe Dameron. An ace pilot who gets dumber as each movie progresses. It’s not a good way to promote the dumb male stereotype. Even in the Obi-Wan mini-series, they made Leia smart and Luke dumb. They’re played by kids actors.

The final battle between Beast & Gaston felt short. It pales in compassion to the final battle of “Terminator 2: Judgement Day.”

The Final Verdict: B, FOR BEAUTIFUL!

If it weren’t for my two complaints, I could’ve given Beauty and the Beast my highest grade an A, FOR APEX. It’s not a flawless animated movie from the Disney Renaissance like “Aladdin,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” The Lion King” & “Mulan.” If you wanna introduce your kids to the animated version, so be it. Then show ‘em the 2017 live-action. I find it average.

Which Disney movie should I review next as part of Disney’s 100 Years? Please leave a comment and I’ll respond back.