BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise; written by Linda Woolverton; producod by Don Hahn for Walt Disney. Animated. Rated G.
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Beauty and the Beast is both more and less satisfying than Disney's last smash animated feature, The Little Mermaid.
The songs in the current picture, though by the same lyricist/composer team, are good, but not stupendous, the way several pieces were in The Little Mermaid. There's no song stylist in the new cast, either, who can compete with Samuel Wright's Sebastian the crab.
But, on the other hand, Beauty and the Beast's story is at least as strong, and, for a real plus, they didn't have to change the ending!
And although I never could get particularly exercised about it, there was some criticism of Little Mermaid that Beauty and the Beast will escape totally. Belle, the story's heroine, is one that any feminist mom would be proud for a daughter to admire—intelligent, strong, and active, as well as loyal and kind.
The basic story from the fairy tale is left intact, but some clever additions make for an even more appealing story. Belle has a non-enchanted suitor in this version, the handsome, conceited Gaston. His character adds a lot of humor and tangible conflict to what is basically a rather serious and introspective storyline.
But the most delightful embellishments on the original involve courtiers who were enchanted at the same time that the prince was changed into a beast. They become various household objects, but retain their own distinctive personalities (and, helpfully, the ability to talk).
Like The Little Mermaid before it, Beauty and the Beast will appeal to all ages, and both genders, of kids. And their parents will enjoy watching it with them.
December 11, 1991