Beauty and the Beast: A Latter-Day Tale

Beauty and the Beast: A Latter-Day Tale from 2007 is a modern retelling of the classic fairytale set in modern-day America amongst the Mormon community. The film follows the story of Bella (Summer Naomi Smart), a young, ambitious and beautiful writer who is confident in her intelligence but oblivious to her beauty. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets and falls in love with the reclusive and misunderstood Will (Matthew Reese).

Will is a successful entrepreneur who has a dark secret that keeps him isolated from society. He is cursed to look like a beast, and he lives in seclusion, ashamed of his appearance. Through a series of events, Bella comes to know his secret and looks past his exterior to see the kind-hearted and gentle man within, and they soon develop a deep connection. However, their happiness is short-lived as Bella's jealous suitor, James (Everest Bishop), tries to break the couple apart.

The film is a touching and heartwarming tale that explores themes of love, acceptance, and the importance of looking beyond outward appearance. Director B.J. Alexander has done an exceptional job of bringing the classic story into contemporary times while staying true to the tale's original message. The film is well-written, witty, and has an excellent mix of romance, humor, and drama.

The characters in the movie are well-developed, and the actors' performances are excellent, making them the heart of the film. Summer Naomi Smart delivers a remarkable performance as Bella, portraying her as a strong yet vulnerable character, who is easy to fall in love with. Matthew Reese's acting as Will is also impressive. He brings depth and complexity to his character and makes the audience empathize with his situation. Everest Bishop delivers a solid performance as James, Bella's suitor.

The film's pacing is excellent, with well-placed comedic moments that keep the audience engaged while creating a relaxed environment for the story's serious moments. The film's cinematography is also excellent, with well-shot scenes and beautiful scenery, making the movie a visual treat.

Beauty and the Beast: A Latter-Day Tale from 2007 is a family-friendly movie that highlights the importance of looking beyond outward appearance to see the goodness in others. It is a heartwarming film that delivers a positive message to the viewers, making it an excellent choice for an enjoyable and inspiring movie night with loved ones.

In conclusion, Beauty and the Beast: A Latter-Day Tale from 2007 is a well-written and well-executed modern retelling of a classic fairytale. It is a movie that captivates the audience with excellent performances by the actors, an engaging story, and stunning visuals. The film's production team deserves special recognition for expertly conveying the LDS culture, making it relatable and understandable to wider audiences. Beauty and the Beast: A Latter-Day Tale is a contemporary and heartwarming tale for all ages that delivers a positive and inspiring message.