| "Beauty and the Beast" was among the most forgettable films of the year, not because of its quality (top shelf) or box office (huge); because it did virtually nothing to bring new life into the material, and felt like the same iteration re-packaged. That's not a criticism, just an observation about its profile and reception. Few surprises, no performances that stood out. The non-musical Disney "Cinderella" with Blanchett as the stepmother a few years was more original in re-conceptualizing material. What "Beauty" wasn't: "Into the Woods," "Chicago," "La La Land." Maybe that's it. Maybe not. Just my two schillings. |
