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'Twas Beauty killed the Beast: A double feature review April 8, 2017, 8:31 pm"Beauty and the Beast" Thousands have already flocked to the movie theaters to see Disney's much anticipated "Beauty and the Beast." The tale as old as time revolves around Belle (Emma Watson), a young woman who doesn't quite fit in among the people of her provincial village in France. In spite of romantic overtures from the town's Mr. Perfect, Gaston (Luke Evans), Belle is an outcast. When her father Maurice (Kevin Kline) is kidnapped by a Beast (Dan Stevens), Belle trades her freedom for his and embarks on a romantic adventure to break a curse. The 2017 adaptation borrows heavily from the original Disney cartoon while still adding a unique touch and fixing some of those glaring plot holes. (If you're unfamiliar with original's plot holes, let's just say the math suggests the prince was 11 when he was cursed.) The lush and vibrant scenery creates a rich spectacle that brings the story to life. New musical numbers are added to the old favorites to provide an experience that will have you tapping your toes one moment and reaching for your tissues the next. On the whole, the movie is a lively delight. The servants at the castle provide endless comic relief and entertainment. Superb special effects bring rich detail to beloved characters Lumiere (Ewen McGregor), Mrs. Potts (Emma Thompson), Cogsworth (Ian McKellen) and, of course, the Beast. The star-studded cast of living furniture also includes Audra McDonald, Gugu Mbatha-raw and Stanley Tucci. Though the movie is gorgeous, there are some flaws. The chemistry between Emma Watson and Dan Stevens feels more friendly than romantic. And though Belle is brilliant and clever, she lacks that open wonder and curiosity that made the Disney princess such a fan favorite. Also, there is the relentless auto-tuning. However, it is easy to get swept up into the fun and wonder of the story. All bookworms will relate to Belle's elation when she is granted access to the Beast's library. Gaston and his loyal sidekick LeFou (Josh Gad) are a particular high point. The duo provides equal parts comic relief and villainy using the skills of hilarious back-and-forth, charismatic plotting and rousing musical numbers. The film's rendition of the song "Gaston" was truly delightful. Overall, this is a fun film your family will love, though some scenes may be too frightening for younger viewers (there are wolves out there!). Raking in more than $900 million at the box office, it's safe to say that "Beauty and the Beast" is totally killing it. "Kong: Skull Island" If you're looking for a film starring a great beast that holds a little more edge, you may want to consider "Kong: Skull Island." A classic monster movie made with modern flair, "Kong" takes the great gorilla out of the limelight of the 1930s and crowns him king of Skull Island, a mysterious, undiscovered land hidden by a massive storm system. The island has only been discovered using the satellite technology then available in 1973. Eccentric scientist Bill Randa (John Goodman) convinces the government to lend him an envoy to travel to the dangerous island accompanied by a unit pulling out of Vietnam. The unit is led by Lieutenant Colonel Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson). Also joining the company are retrieval expert James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston) and intrepid war reporter Mason Weaver (Brie Larson). After they arrive on the island, the group is almost immediately attacked and separated. Forced to deal with a savage terrain that's full of monsters and unexpected dangers, the survivors are split into two groups, one led by Hiddleston and the other led by Jackson. Jackson leads his men on a quest for revenge, exploring the bloodthirsty island with the eyes of a soldier. Hiddleston's group is taught to appreciate the peculiar dangers and wonders of the land, due in part to Larson's special connection with Kong. This team is also joined by Hank Marlow (John C. Reilly), a castaway who has survived with the local islanders for several decades. The two groups must use all of their skills to escape the deadly Skull Island. The movie can be very violent and has at least one giant spider, so it's definitely not great for kids. It also spends far too much time with Jackson's Ahab-like quest and not enough time with Hiddelston and his overabundance of hero poses. The background CGI is less than flawless and at least one scene jumps the shark (without saying too much, there is a katana involved). However, the movie includes breathtaking views and Kong himself is magnificently created. The movie is also surprisingly funny and combines levity, action and occasional moments of very real emotion. Reilly's eccentric but ultimately wise character is easily the best part of this film and adds much-needed heart to the story. "Kong" draws inspiration from Jules Verne, the original movie and modern storytelling to display layers of depth and metaphor. But if you're not into that, it has enough action that you can easily enjoy the spectacle without contemplating what really makes a monster. And if you're having trouble getting your girlfriend to go see the film, just show her a picture of Hiddleston striking a hero pose. It's a thing of beauty. The community news source for Eagle Mountain Utah, Saratoga Springs Utah, Lehi Utah, American Fork Utah, Highland Utah, Alpine Utah, and The Cedar Valley, including Cedar Fort Utah and Fairfield Utah. Copyright 2025 The Crossroads Journal LLC. All rights reserved. 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