by Kayla Stephensen and Jaimie Franz

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The latest version of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” had the biggest opening weekend of any PG-Rated film, with over $170 million. Even with one theater boycotting it and Russia not allowing 16 year old’s and younger to watch it, “Beauty” still holds the 6th biggest opening weekend ever, once again as the only PG movie. Following in the footsteps of the 1991 version, this live-action movie is making a lasting effect. “Since it is a live action film about a classic fairy tale, it was sure to attract families and teenagers who had watched the original version and wanted to see the new version,” remarks Rick Ruiz, a freshman.

Even with such a success in the box office, there were still many complaints, specifically on a homosexual scene in the movie. As previously noted, there was some boycotting and Malaysia requested Disney remove the scene which created this controversy. They declined, and lost no sleep over it. After all, this movie had subjectively worse parts to itintentional to the plot. “My least favorite part was when Gaston shoots the beast in the fight many times at like the end of the movie. I just believe that is unfair and cowardly and that he had no reason to. It just solidified him as being super absent minded and making him seem even evil,” comments Ruiz.

Senior Jaimie Franz notes,  “Personally, I found the film enchanting as it was very colorful and contained quite a bit of the originally story but still gave a unique touch. It was a very kid friendly and family fun movie. Thankfully nothing was twisted dark to entertain the older generation. I do miss the animated cartoons that I persisted to play on repeat all day Saturday as a kid, but as new generations grow up, they will take art and change it to make it their own.”

Emma Watson, who is best known for her role as Hermione in the Harry Potter Series, played Belle, and Dan Stevens, who is best known for his role as Matthew Crawley in Downton Abbey, played the Beast. Ruiz commented on the casting saying, “Emma Watson has a geeky charm which fit well with Belle and the actor who played Gaston really did make me feel like he was a pompous and arrogant brat.”