Review: 'Beauty And The Beast' Shines In 3D

By Michael Lopez

Yes, we know there are a lot of purists who are upset that Disney fudged with their classic feature, Beauty and the Beast. But if you ask us, the studio did a fantastic job adding an extra 3D layer to the movie and we're thrilled it's getting a chance to be rediscovered by a brand new audience.

Believe it or not, Beauty was actually nominated for a Best Picture Oscar when it first came out in 1991. After watching it again, it's easy to see why. Beyond the charming songs and engaging characters, there is actually a very touching love story buried beneath the ink and paint.

The plot, in case you need a refresher, involves a beautiful young maiden named Belle and her yearning for adventure. Though every guy in her small town would love to walk her down the aisle, Belle prefers a life filled with independence (and enchanting storybooks).

But her world is changed forever the day her father goes missing. On her quest to rescue dear old dad, Belle finds herself in a creepy castle on the outskirts of town. It's there where we first encounter the Beast, a terrifying wolf-like creature who, at one time, had been a handsome prince.

Soon we find out that the ferocious Beast has a heart of gold and he actually helps Belle bring her father back to town. Along the way, these two strike up an engaging romance and get treated to a host of memorable tunes (courtesy of Beast's singing furniture).

Though it may be hard to believe, Beauty actually works like a modern day rom com. But with its well-polished dialogue and uplifting story, it actually surpasses a lot of the feel good fluff we've been seeing in theaters. Disney also did a fantastic job of accentuating the backgrounds with 3D elements, offering an even more engaging experience for moviegoers. You'd have to be a real Beast not to have a soft spot for this film.

Bottom line: Even though the latest batch of Pixar movies have far surpassed Disney's old school animation standards, it's hard to top a classic like Beauty and the Beast. Each character is lovingly drawn and the Beast is a magnificent big screen creation. Fang-faced and ferocious, yet soft and tender, he represents a great modern-day fairy tale that film fans of all ages can enjoy.

Did you catch Beauty and the Beast 3D last weekend? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, Animation, Beauty and the Beast, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Disney, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Rom Coms