This past weekend, Disney released its most recent live-action remake of one of its most classic films: Beauty and the Beast. The tale, as old as time, starred Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast. Director Bill Condon combined the classic story that we all know and love with a few new and modern twists.

Not only did the movie bring back old memories from childhood, it also smashed box office records. According to Fox News, the film, in its first weekend in theaters, reeled in over $170 million, beating Pixar’s summer flic Finding Dory for the most successful family film in years.

In recent years, Disney has been making a number of remakes of its classic twentieth century animated features. The reboots include Maleficent, Cinderella, The Jungle Book, and of course its most recent success, Beauty and the Beast.

Going into the film, I admit I was skeptical. Growing up, I had over 60 years worth of Disney films that I watched regularly. Each animated feature, to me, was its own masterpiece. So when I found out that Disney decided to reboot these movies, I was worried that they would be cinematic disasters. But Condon’s Beauty and the Beast proved me wrong.

Viewers are constantly presented with visually stunning performances and musical numbers. The film not only includes Howard Ashman’s and Alan Menken’s original soundtrack from 1991, but also a few new and original songs written specifically for Condon’s remake, making the experience even more magical. 

With an all-star cast including Watson, Ewan McGregor, and Ian McKellen, the actors truly bring the story to life in a new and exciting way. Watson and her costar Stevens transcend viewers into a familiar world that brings back memories from almost 30 years ago. Watson, in the famous yellow ball gown, and Stevens, in the famous blue suit, come together on screen in one of Disney’s most powerful love stories and teaches audiences not to judge a book by its cover.

Needless to say, I can’t wait for Disney’s future reboots. If they are all as well-made and successful as Beauty and the Beast, Disney fans all over the world will be in for more magic.