CHARLOTTE QUAMINA – MAY 2, 2011
Release date (UK) – 22 April 2011Runtime – 86 mins
Certificate (UK) – 12
Director – Daniel Barnz
Country – USA
Starring – Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, Mary-Kate Olsen, Neil Patrick Harris
Beastly, based on the 2007 novel of the same name by Alex Flinn, is the modern retelling of the classic, Beauty and the Beast. Set in present day New York, it tells the story of the handsome and wealthy Kyle (Pettyfer), who believes that good looks and popularity are the only keys to success. Enter Kendra (Olsen), a witch determined to teach Kyle a lesson about his arrogant beliefs, she curses him, transferring the ugliness that lies inside him onto the outside. Disgusted by his appearance, Kyle is hidden away from the world by his father and left to live a lonely life with his tutor (Harris) and housekeeper (LisaGay Hamilton), until, that is, he meets Lindy (Hudgens) and she sees the beauty within him. With only a year to break the curse, Kyle must change and find someone to love him for who he is on the inside, but will true love find him in time?
The main elements of the original story are clearly visible in this retelling which is a pleasant surprise. The modern representations are well thought out and the characters (ironically all attractive people) are easily relatable for most teenagers up to a point – not including the witch. The plot surrounds the moral of the story, never judge a book by its cover, which is an excellent lesson for all who watch it. However, towards the end, there is still an obvious desperation for Kyle to return to his handsome form which begs the question, has he truly learnt anything from his experiences?
Unfortunately the acting is appalling. Even Pettyfer who has a number of films under his belt which have been bearable, is unable to draw from any real emotions for this part (apparently being ugly is not even something he can pretend to be). Alongside this is Hudgens, who isn’t believable in the least, especially when she utters the line ‘I’ve seen worse..’ in reaction to Kyles witchy makeover. The saviour of the film is Neil Patrick Harris, although why he appears in this film is a little unclear. However, he holds it together and doesn’t take his cheesy lines too seriously, making it a lot more enjoyable. Olsen as a witch is another good casting, however she doesn’t see nearly enough screen time.
What really lets this film down is the scripting. Caught between its moral message and being ‘down with the kids’ it ends up being hollow and keeps the characters unintentionally one-dimensional. Littered with one-liners rather than hearty dialogue, the story drags on at a very slow pace,made especially painful by the fact that you more or less know what is going to happen from the start of the film anyway.Overall the Hollywood take on this tale seems to favour pretty, glossy visuals as opposed to shots with any meaning and substance. The real issue with the film is that Kyle isn’t really a ‘beast’ just a bald-headed, tattooed guy with a few bits of metal here and there. The make-up department should have come up with something much more realistic in order to really get the message across.
In all honesty, it feels as if Kyle just resigns himself to being ugly, believing that no one can love someone who isn’t attractive on the outside, rather than deciding that looks are not everything and continuing to live life to the full. It isn’t until Lindy comes along that Kyle even considers that it’s what’s inside that matters more. By this time, he has been transformed back into his handsome self and the message suddenly changes: even if a guy is a horrible person who treats people badly and bullies those less fortunate than himself, with the time and love of a nice girl, he can be transformed into the perfect man. Perhaps not the best message for teenage girls, but if you enjoyed Twilight and Red Riding Hood, this adaptation is one for you.
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