Welcome back, friends! Here’s to a new year of finding new Netflix shows and movies to watch. To start, I figured I’d start with a favorite of mine: “Beauty and the Beast”.

“Beauty and the Beast” is a classic Disney movie that was recently made into a live-action version starring Emma Watson, who I thought absolutely slayed the role of Belle. If you haven’t seen it or the 1991 cartoon version, it starts out with a prince who was cursed to look like a beast due to the lack of love he had in his heart. Additionally, all the people who lived in his castle were turned into inanimate objects that took on character traits. The beast had to love a woman and have her love him back in order to turn back into a human. An enchantress gave him a rose, and he had to find his love before the last petal fell off. Fast forward a little bit, Belle’s father is taken captive by this beast and Belle takes his place as his prisoner. As time goes on and she spends more time with him, they get to know each other better.

I’ve always had a heart for the classic Disney movies, so I freaked out when I saw this come on Netflix. It’s such a great movie for a girls’ night in or just hanging out at home. Every so often, my mom and I will have a date night and find a show or movie to watch on Netflix if Freeform isn’t having a movie marathon. It’s a great time (until one of us falls asleep before the movie is over).

Emma Watson absolutely killed her role as Belle. As I watched, I noticed that Belle is extremely independent and all about doing what she feels right. She’s well-educated and isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in or speak her mind. Belle is extremely inventive and can really fend for herself. She fights for what she wants and always stays true to herself. Emma really shines as Belle. There’s a lot of girl power in this movie, and I love it!

If you’re looking for a great movie for a night in, the live-action “Beauty and the Beast” is the one for you. There’s romance, humor and action all wrapped up in one.

See you next time!

Kendall Gaignat