 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
- Review Date: November 22, 2011
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Belle's musical holiday tale is sweet but a bit dark.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is holiday tale includes a couple of potentially frightening scenes and a character who's especially mean and manipulative. Younger kids may be disturbed when Beast rages and starts destroying everything in his path or when Belle, Chip, and Fife almost drown in icy waters. The mean-spirited Forte is a negative example of how a friend should act, but all of the other characters are quite sweet and giving, particularly Belle, who -- as always -- is kind-hearted and just wants to show Beast the joy of the Christmas season.
What's the story?
Belle (voiced by Paige O'Hara) tries to prepare the castle for the Christmas season despite Beast's (Robby Benson) disinterest in holiday cheer. But while most of the enchanted figures are excited to help Belle, a mean-spirited pipe organ named Forte (Tim Curry) enlists his small pal, Fife (Paul Reubens), to foil the possibility that Belle could break the curse. Forte convinces Belle to trek into the dangerous Black Forest to get a Christmas tree, which Belle believes will make Beast happy. Forte, however, pretends that Belle has abandoned Beast.
Is it any good?
Nothing could compare to the original Beauty and the Beast's splendor, but once audiences lower their expectations to meet the level of direct-to-DVD films, THE ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS is an amusing if occasionally dark installment in the "tale as old as time." The musical numbers are catchy and the story compelling, but it doesn't always feel like an actual Christmas movie.
The focus on Forte's mission to stop Beauty and the Beast from falling in love takes away from the holiday spirit that permeates the rest of the movie. But on the bright side, Curry is always pitch-perfect playing evil characters, and his desperation to remain BFFs with the Beast is upsetting but surprisingly understandable. O'Hara's Belle is lovely to behold, whether she's dancing around with Chip or telling Beast she just wants him to be happy. She's the heart of the story, and her loving charm makes every Beauty and the Beast ultimately enchanting.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's message about friendship. Was Forte a true friend to Beast? What motivated him to deceive both Beast and Belle?
What is the movie's Christmas message? Why did Belle risk her safety to retrieve the tree?
How does the movie fit into the story of the original Beauty and the Beast? How do the new characters compare to the ones depicted in the original?
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AGE
Not as good as the origonal, but still good
I got this movie from my neighbors. I saw this with my sister and we both thought that it was a good movie, but there are a few things missing. One is that one character only shows up 3 times in this entire movie, even if it's a minor problem I just wanted to let it out. But what really dissapointed me is the we never hear the true story of Christmas with Jesus' birth and all. I think that disney is being too careful, surely not everyone believes in ehat I do but I still think that should have been a story told in this movie. Before I get into more negatives I have to say that this really is a sweet, charming movie and it's great for all kids, both young and old. But of course it's not flawless, I was a bit disturbed at how dark and violent things could be at times especially because it's a kids show and it's about Christmas. Overall we have a sweet, charming christmas movie, however I still don't tolerate how they took the "christ" part out of christmas. But if you look past all of these flaws, you have yourself a sweet, happy, and very charming movie.
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AGE
A Little Dark For A Holiday Movie
It's a great holiday film for people who are fans of the orignal movie: Beauty And The Beast. But is a little to dark, scary, and intense for a holiday movie.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, princesses and fairies, holidays |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment |
| Director: | Andrew Knight |
| Cast: | Jerry Orbach, Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 72 minutes |
| DVD release date: | November 22, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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