Film Review - Beastly

If you want to see a mirror image of what a major part of our society has become then Beastly is a film that you should go watch.  What if the wonderful story of “Beauty and the Beast” was set in a high school filled with beautiful people who knew they were beautiful? Well, that is pretty much the whole story.

Kyle (Alex Pettyfer) is young, handsome, spoiled and, most importantly, shallow. He is obsessed and empowered by his own physical appearance and believes that beautiful people have it better than ugly people. Kyle chooses to humiliate one of his fellow classmates to prove to everyone that he is still on top of the high school hierarchy. Unfortunately, no one told him that Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen) is a witch. Obviously, she sees what an awful person he is and decides to teach him a pretty intense lesson. She magically transforms his appearance to match the ugliness of his soul. The only way to break this nasty spell is to find someone to love him for whom he is within the next year.

My favorite part of this film was the makeup. It looked pretty real; but hey, that is what Hollywood is all about, right? I also really respect the fact that this film was shot in Montreal. The gothic architecture helps set the tone for this film. But, other than that, this film doesn’t have much substance. I did not feel for the characters; I laughed at some of the performances. Neil Patrick Harris steals the show by playing Kyle’s blind tutor, Will. He is funny, charming and you cannot take your eyes off him. I wish that Neil Patrick Harris had played the role of Alex, but alas some wishes do not come true.

Director Daniel Barnz (Pheobe In Wonderland) said that this film concentrated on society’s fascination with looks. He also mentioned that people in high school will relate to the characters in the film because “in high school, everybody feels cursed in some way.” Bullying and obsession with vanity have become issues in almost every corner of the world. Why does Hollywood continue to make films that push this disgusting way of life? Sure we get the final message that inner beauty will reign at the very end of the film, but honestly, why do they have to show all the bullshit that leads up to the epic realization that it’s what’s inside that counts? Hollywood has told us this time after time. I think we realized this a while ago. Some people might need a reminder, and these people should see Beastly. Otherwise, save yourself the 13$.

1 out of 5 stars

-Andrea Boulet