Beastly (2011)

Beastly: Directed by Daniel Barnz. With Alex Pettyfer, Justin Bradley, Mary-Kate Olsen, Dakota Johnson. A modern-day take on the “Beauty and the Beast” tale where a New York teen is transformed into a hideous monster in order to find true love.

“I wasnu0026#39;t planning on seeing this movie, but after a group of girlfriends convinced me it would be a good chick flick, I caved.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eGoing into this movie, I havenu0026#39;t read the book, just seen the Disney movie quite a few times. I was expecting this tragic love story, just like the original movie, with plenty of tear-jerking moments, but it just wasnu0026#39;t there, in terms of script and acting.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe plot was rushed, and therefore the audience didnu0026#39;t have enough time to appreciate the story line, even though we all know it like the back of our hands.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOur Beast, Kyle, was more of a brat than a beast, and even after transforming, I was expecting this monster of rage, and he just whined and moaned and was more comedic than anything else.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eLindy, who was our Beauty, really only stood as a placeholder for a gorgeous woman. Vanessa Hudgens is a gorgeous girl, but thatu0026#39;s really all she is. Her acting is very flat, with one moment standing out in particular. Sheu0026#39;s just been told some devastating news over the phone in a conversation that lasts all of 10 seconds. Acting 101: Acting is the reality of doing, she just pretended, and thereu0026#39;s no two ways about it. I didnu0026#39;t see a role model to young girls in her, I just saw a pretty face.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHowever, there were some exceptions, Neil Patrick Harris was impeccable with his comedic timing, and really saved this movie from otherwise getting a 1 star. Mary Kate Olsen also pleasantly surprised me, as she was good at convincing me she was this evil enchantress. However, for her entire time in the movie, she looks like a haute couture model rather than this disgusting ugly creature.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOverall, itu0026#39;s not terrible, just not that good. Neil Patrick Harris is reason enough alone to see this movie, and to get a look into what some consider u0026quot;21st Century Beauty and the Beast.u0026quot;”