As with most "Christian" made films, this one is not a slick production and their are no big names etc. BUT...it is reasonably acted, the script is fine as are the sets and location . We enjoyed the film. For those who think it is the worst film they have ever seen...well, they should see more movies then as this one does not deserve that criticism. All in all, it was nice to not have the swearing and the usual vulgarities of what passes today for entertainment. Watch this for yourself.
20 Reviews
A thoroughly enjoyable movie
preacherdon-903-7929766 August 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This was a good movie. I didn't know the premise when I first started watching it but it soon became apparent. It very much followed the premise of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, at least at first. Of course, this one has a Christian spin on it.
The story follows the budding romance between Belle and her boss, Eric Landry. Unlike the original, Eric's ugliness isn't external but internal. He is often brash and short tempered with Belle, but soon he starts to soften and their "romance" begins to blossom, especially when I sees Belle more than just a tool to be used but a person, an equal.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and wished it was available on DVD.
The story follows the budding romance between Belle and her boss, Eric Landry. Unlike the original, Eric's ugliness isn't external but internal. He is often brash and short tempered with Belle, but soon he starts to soften and their "romance" begins to blossom, especially when I sees Belle more than just a tool to be used but a person, an equal.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and wished it was available on DVD.
Cute, but...
WineAndCheesy25 December 2018
I LOVE everything about this movie, except the acting. The house is gorgeous, the views are gorgeous, and the message is clear (and relevant). The cheese is strong with this one. It is everything you would expect from a low budget, Christian film. I would definitely recommend seeing this film.
Slow starter strong finish
kcfrankland27 April 2017
This is indeed a very cute modern adaptation of a classic tale. The dialogue is a bit weak to open but plays stronger as the characters develop and by the end is enchanting. Don't watch if you're an adrenal junkie and can be satisfied if the characters end up where they started. I enjoy watching movies with eye candy and this one is loaded with beautiful mountain scenes and overly clean houses. This is a worthwhile feel good story that left me smiling.
One of the worst movies I have ever seen
feblo10018 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I love this movie, for being awful. My friends and I were laughing at this movie the entire time. Terrible acting, horrible editing, bad story, and obvious Christian propaganda that actually breaks from the storyline. This movie is as bad as if not worst than the movie "the room". Only reason to watch this movie is to mock Christian television, I will show all my friends lol. "the beast" in this live action Christian adaptation is a mean business man who blames God for his wife's death, and hates the bible. His dislike of god, apparently the source of meanness, keeps him away from love, until he meets Belle, a girl who can ignore his bad acting and see his former god loving self. This movie is full of awkward silence, strange cuts, weird characters, and irrelevant plot holes. Film students should study this movie to learn how not to make a film. I saw it on the trinity broadcast network, a channel that must be pretty desperate if they are willing to screen a movie as bad as this. I highly recommend watching this film to learn lessons of bad filmmaking and Christian movie awkwardness, while enjoying a good laugh. Though I do not recommend watching this if you are looking to watch a good movie, watch the original Beauty and the Beast instead. Oh also the film quality drastically changes from shot to shot, giving this a home made high school movie quality!
Not as bad as expected
pinkbows-732068 April 2020
As a fan of bad movies I really thought this would be another one of them, but I was actually pleasantly surprised. It has a lot of flaws, but overall I actually enjoyed it.
Bonus was it didn't shove the bible down my throat as I expected.
Amoral film
curtin_parloe26 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Don't get me wrong, it's not good, but I would have given it three or four stars if it had resolved the weird stalker storyline.
Craig is a dangerous psychopath. He doesn't take no for an answer, spies on Belle, impersonates Eric, continues to not take no for an answer, keeps turning up unannounced, etc. At the end, there's no resolution to this subplot. What are they saying? That Christians are creepy weirdos? If he'd been hauled away in handcuffs I wouldn't have deducted stars. Shameful.
Craig is a dangerous psychopath. He doesn't take no for an answer, spies on Belle, impersonates Eric, continues to not take no for an answer, keeps turning up unannounced, etc. At the end, there's no resolution to this subplot. What are they saying? That Christians are creepy weirdos? If he'd been hauled away in handcuffs I wouldn't have deducted stars. Shameful.
Romantic Gem With An Uplifting Telling!
blue-723 January 2008
Didn't expect much -- avoided seeing it in its very brief theatrical run -- then heard some good things about it when my brother watched it on DVD. Turns out that BEAUTY & THE BEAST: A LATTER-DAY TALE is a delightful film that is both romantic, touching and thought-provoking. The leads have a chemistry that works and the telling of the familiar story has enough twists and originality to make it compelling. Technically there are a few weaknesses (some shots are on the soft side), but the direction, script and music all blend well together to provide a very enjoyable film. I'm glad that I didn't overlook this one -- for it's a "Gem"!
A Mormon Love Story
nammage23 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a technical reviewer, which means I see the technical aspects of a film first and everything else second. However, my points-of-view is: if the story is competent and there's some consistency of a plot (and it doesn't fade away from it too often) then the technical doesn't matter. I should also state I'm an atheist and have been for 30 years (I'm 42) but I don't allow that as a prejudice against religious films. I have seen some very well made religious films and some very poorly made ones. I watch all kinds of films, I'm a film lover first.
The film quality is mildly okay. The budget for this was probably minimal so it's not as bad as some reviewers have stipulated; it's an independent film, it's not going to be big budget quality. The sound's pretty good. Typically in low budget films sound is usually the one thing that is awful but here: isn't too bad. The acting is tolerable for a low budget film. The composition is sparing but I'm fine with that. Typically in low budget films the composition is almost non-stop and drowns out dialogue, in this it's not therefore that's a plus in its favor.
The plot: the 'beast' is an inner ugliness projected outwardly to those in the vicinity. In this case a man hates the church, god, etc., because he lost the love of his life. It should be emphasised: hating god, a god, many gods etc., does not make one an atheist. An atheist doesn't believe in a god or gods therefore an atheist can't hate (show an emphatic emotion toward) a god/s.
This film is a Disney ripoff. This film seems to be the antithesis of the Disney version with a Mormon/Christian slant. The Disney version isn't making a point, it's just making a love story for children (though many adults love the film.) This is just an angry Christian who needs someone or something to blame for a great loss to him so he takes it out on everyone and everything around him. First 30 minutes is the most aggressive part then 40 minutes in we get a song with a montage of them falling in love with each other. Then it's interrupted by Gaston...I mean Craig. See how it's a Disney rip-off? There's another short montage 70 minutes in with another song. I guess there had to be a 'sad' part before the happiest part. If one has seen the Disney version then you should notice how characters in this are characters in that, not just the obvious Gaston/Craig character. Overall, the film is okay even if it rips off the Disney version poorly. And as Christian films go, not a bad effort.
The film quality is mildly okay. The budget for this was probably minimal so it's not as bad as some reviewers have stipulated; it's an independent film, it's not going to be big budget quality. The sound's pretty good. Typically in low budget films sound is usually the one thing that is awful but here: isn't too bad. The acting is tolerable for a low budget film. The composition is sparing but I'm fine with that. Typically in low budget films the composition is almost non-stop and drowns out dialogue, in this it's not therefore that's a plus in its favor.
The plot: the 'beast' is an inner ugliness projected outwardly to those in the vicinity. In this case a man hates the church, god, etc., because he lost the love of his life. It should be emphasised: hating god, a god, many gods etc., does not make one an atheist. An atheist doesn't believe in a god or gods therefore an atheist can't hate (show an emphatic emotion toward) a god/s.
This film is a Disney ripoff. This film seems to be the antithesis of the Disney version with a Mormon/Christian slant. The Disney version isn't making a point, it's just making a love story for children (though many adults love the film.) This is just an angry Christian who needs someone or something to blame for a great loss to him so he takes it out on everyone and everything around him. First 30 minutes is the most aggressive part then 40 minutes in we get a song with a montage of them falling in love with each other. Then it's interrupted by Gaston...I mean Craig. See how it's a Disney rip-off? There's another short montage 70 minutes in with another song. I guess there had to be a 'sad' part before the happiest part. If one has seen the Disney version then you should notice how characters in this are characters in that, not just the obvious Gaston/Craig character. Overall, the film is okay even if it rips off the Disney version poorly. And as Christian films go, not a bad effort.
Nice try....I guess.
redfearnb16 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Overacting to the extreme from both of the main characters. The plot is useless and I'd say that just about every other movie I've seen is better than this thing. Some of the camera shots are very awkward. The choice for Belle wasn't very good, considering that she's supposed to be the most beautiful woman in the story. The beast is always yelling, but in such a way that its sounds forced every time. The change in the Beast is literally overnight, without any kind of transition. And this is only the start of the complaints I have about this movie.
I've seen a lot of bad movies, I wouldn't waste your time unless you just want to see for yourself how bad movies can be.
I've seen a lot of bad movies, I wouldn't waste your time unless you just want to see for yourself how bad movies can be.
Good feel movie!!!
georgep-7689321 March 2021
If you want to watch a Beast of a movie, this one's a Beauty
romansthirty814 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
A better name for this would be 'A Tale of Two Bad Movies'. In fact the header in IMDb for this, titles the movie Beauty and the Beast – A Later-Day Tale, but
shows the cover art for Belle and the Beast—A Christian Romance. It really doesn't matter which one you see because they are both a total waste of your time. Since there are (at least) two different perspective about the reason these movies may have been made I will try to cover them both separately. If you are simply looking for an entertaining romantic parallel to the classic tale 'Beauty and the Beast', you can probably turn this movie off at least an hour quicker than if you are looking for the 'Christian' motive for watching it, but in either case there are plenty of speed bumps and road signs along the way to warn you that there is 'trouble ahead' in terms of every completely your journey. If you fall in the first category and aren't expecting this movie to explain the meaning of life, the first sign of trouble comes as the opening narration ends. The dialog sounds like it's being read from queue cards and the actors are almost always leaving gaps between each others comments as though they are afraid of stepping on each others lines. There are noticeable differences in the quality of the video from scene to scene, and in scenes where you see the lower halves of their bodies they even seem to be uncomfortable standing or walking as they perform. (The housekeeper seems to be the most uncomfortable as she escorts Belle in to see 'The Beast'. It's like she has a board nailed to her back.) Continuity is a real problem as well. At one point where Belle is supposed to be putting some clothes in a closet, she appears to have an attack of Alzheimer's as she suddenly starts wandering around in one of the rooms, walks to a book shelf, and then
without explanation, begins to read in a very random way, from the Bible (or from what I've heard is, in the Mormon version, the Book of Mormon.) Both of the main characters also appear to be bi-polar. To some extent 'the beast' should be, but not the way the story exemplifies him, and Belle at one point goes into a rant about how impossible he is, but then later seems to be totally sympathetic to his fits of anger. Another major inconsistency involves the beast and his alcoholism relapse. This an unrealistic plot point where the story suggests that he has a FULL bottle that he keeps as a reminder of the past. RIGHT! Long story short
This movie has more holes in it than Swiss cheese.
If you aren't interested in this movie from a Christian viewpoint, you can quit reading here but if you are familiar with the Bible, or just want to read more, there are far bigger problems which I will go into now.
I keep reading comments that give this movie high praise for its Christian underpinning, but it seems impossible that we're viewing the same movie. What am I missing here? How do you get a Christian movie that doesn't even mention Christ in the story, much less give Him full credit as mankind's Redeemer! Redemption is the most important message that a Christian movie could convey and this bit of theatrical tripe not only fails to include that, it barely even fringes the existence of a god, who is mostly absent and nearly impossible to believe in, because he hasn't fulfilled every hope and dream that we feel we deserve. From what I've read, the original version (subtitled 'A Later-Day Tale') didn't even use the Bible as a prop but instead used the so called Book of Mormon. In the version subtitled 'A Christian Romance' they also changed the name of the story by changing 'Beauty' to 'Belle' and additionally they changed the credited stage names of the 2 primary actors to reduce the likelihood of people even making the connection that the one that is subtitled 'A Christian Romance' is actually just the 'Mormon propaganda version' with a couple of scenes replaced. The most emphatic discussion in the whole story is an argument about destroying a copy of the Bible and the initial reason for the anger is because 'it's a nice copy' and even in the follow-up the argument that it is 'God's word' fails to clarify the difference between the printed pages and the Author's message. It may come as a shock to a lot of people, but simply making a story which mention some sort of a god and doesn't have lusty dialog, bare skin or vulgar or profane language in it, doesn't make it Christian. Good behavior does not entitle anyone to their eternal reward. If man were vindicated by good behavior, then Christ died needlessly. (Galatians 2:21)
If you aren't interested in this movie from a Christian viewpoint, you can quit reading here but if you are familiar with the Bible, or just want to read more, there are far bigger problems which I will go into now.
I keep reading comments that give this movie high praise for its Christian underpinning, but it seems impossible that we're viewing the same movie. What am I missing here? How do you get a Christian movie that doesn't even mention Christ in the story, much less give Him full credit as mankind's Redeemer! Redemption is the most important message that a Christian movie could convey and this bit of theatrical tripe not only fails to include that, it barely even fringes the existence of a god, who is mostly absent and nearly impossible to believe in, because he hasn't fulfilled every hope and dream that we feel we deserve. From what I've read, the original version (subtitled 'A Later-Day Tale') didn't even use the Bible as a prop but instead used the so called Book of Mormon. In the version subtitled 'A Christian Romance' they also changed the name of the story by changing 'Beauty' to 'Belle' and additionally they changed the credited stage names of the 2 primary actors to reduce the likelihood of people even making the connection that the one that is subtitled 'A Christian Romance' is actually just the 'Mormon propaganda version' with a couple of scenes replaced. The most emphatic discussion in the whole story is an argument about destroying a copy of the Bible and the initial reason for the anger is because 'it's a nice copy' and even in the follow-up the argument that it is 'God's word' fails to clarify the difference between the printed pages and the Author's message. It may come as a shock to a lot of people, but simply making a story which mention some sort of a god and doesn't have lusty dialog, bare skin or vulgar or profane language in it, doesn't make it Christian. Good behavior does not entitle anyone to their eternal reward. If man were vindicated by good behavior, then Christ died needlessly. (Galatians 2:21)
The most unpleasant, unsympathetic character I've ever seen
monk-8190724 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Wow. How exactly is this a 'christian romance'?! How would anyone, ever in any conceivable universe find this man in any way appealing enough to want to get involved?! 40 minutes in and he's been nothing but a rude arrogant a**hole to absolutely everyone around him.
And I mean absolutely EVERYONE.
Then all of a sudden, after a brief bout of man flu, he does a 160 (not quite a 180 - he doesn't suddenly become nice or anything) and starts being semi human...
Apparently the script was written by someone with limited experience of actually being a human..?
And don't even get me started on the fruitcake who starts talking marriage after meeting someone twice *eyeroll*
This is an uneven movie that makes a huge leap from utter nasty scrooge behaviour to romance.. accompanied by a truly vomitus song promoting faith.
Bottom line: if you can tolerate the first 40 minutes and you enjoy cheesy so-called romance, overly simplistic scripts, and heavy handed religious messages, then you might enjoy this.
Othrwise maybe find something else to kill a couple if hours.
Excellent Movie - Highly Recommended
john-6428128 October 2015
I streamed this movie from Amazon Prime, having absolutely no idea as to what it was about. However, I was pleasantly surprised, and my wife and I enjoyed it very much.
As the title suggests, it's a modern-day retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story.
To be sure, this film is family-friendly (meaning you can watch it with your entire family without fear of "awkward" moments). However, that doesn't mean that it's not an excellent story and one which you will enjoy very much.
I would highly recommend it.
As the title suggests, it's a modern-day retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story.
To be sure, this film is family-friendly (meaning you can watch it with your entire family without fear of "awkward" moments). However, that doesn't mean that it's not an excellent story and one which you will enjoy very much.
I would highly recommend it.
Baffling and creepy
saraherfarrell27 September 2020
Firstly, this is *barely* a christian movie, it's like they needed an extra $1000 for the Jacuzzi scenes, but could only get money from a local pastor if they put some Bible talk in it, and that's all it really is, talk ABOUT the bible.
Second: "The Beast" does nothing to earn his nickname, he's just a sad angry dude who gets over it when someone talks to him rather than at him.
Third: Craig is the real beast, I mean seriously, that leather jacket is CLEARLY made from the skins of his victims, and the black puffer jacket he wears near the end is a signal to the world that he is ready to kill again.
Lastly: It's maddeningly shot, and none of the cast interact with anything in the Airbnb they were illegally shooting in...
Avoid this cynical trash.
Second: "The Beast" does nothing to earn his nickname, he's just a sad angry dude who gets over it when someone talks to him rather than at him.
Third: Craig is the real beast, I mean seriously, that leather jacket is CLEARLY made from the skins of his victims, and the black puffer jacket he wears near the end is a signal to the world that he is ready to kill again.
Lastly: It's maddeningly shot, and none of the cast interact with anything in the Airbnb they were illegally shooting in...
Avoid this cynical trash.
Really enjoyed
apernico15 April 2020
I really liked this movie. Yes it's labeled as a Christian Romance (or LDS, depending which version you saw), but this is a movie that everyone could enjoy. It makes you rethink Beauty and the Beast in a new light: this version emphasizes forgiveness, second chances, family ties, and loyalty.
Top 5 worst films of all time
indiedavid16 March 2021
I wasn't sure if this was a parody or not for the first few minutes. I gave it about 15 minutes and had to bail out. I cannot believe this film wasn't shut down after the Producers watched the dailies from the first few days.
Potter training
bkoganbing15 February 2020
Matthew Reese and Summer Naomi Smart play the title roles in this LDS produced adaption of Beauty And The Beast. It's a pleasant romantic tale fit for
more than church audiences.
Our beast is a millionaire recluse whom if he doesn't change his ways is going to become Mr. Potter in his old age. He lost his wife years ago and except for a housekeeper and a parade of assistants who last like the maids in the Day household in Life With Father.
Into his life comes Belle played by Summer Naomi Smart who's a churchgoing girl and softens the man.
Smart and Reese have some good chemistry and the relationship deepens and even survives a bit of sabotage.
Nice bit of film making from the LDS church.
Our beast is a millionaire recluse whom if he doesn't change his ways is going to become Mr. Potter in his old age. He lost his wife years ago and except for a housekeeper and a parade of assistants who last like the maids in the Day household in Life With Father.
Into his life comes Belle played by Summer Naomi Smart who's a churchgoing girl and softens the man.
Smart and Reese have some good chemistry and the relationship deepens and even survives a bit of sabotage.
Nice bit of film making from the LDS church.
Original, captivating, really absorbs the viewer.
JBThackery4 November 2021
Contrary to what the title may suggest, this movie is original and pleasantly unpredictable. The production is consistently coherent all the way through. The acting is genuine, and keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. There are enduring moments, and stressful moments, with everything resolving via perfect writing and directing.
The acting is skillful and genuine. Editing is smooth. Above all, the Christian message is uplifting and inspiring, demonstrating in a realistic manner that faith can be renewed, and life's challenges can be overcome.
One reviewer stated that this cannot be a Christian movie because it was filmed in Utah. Not only is this untrue, this is a violation of what this forum is about. Just watch the film and see if you don't find a pleasant evening passing before your eyes and through your heart.
The acting is skillful and genuine. Editing is smooth. Above all, the Christian message is uplifting and inspiring, demonstrating in a realistic manner that faith can be renewed, and life's challenges can be overcome.
One reviewer stated that this cannot be a Christian movie because it was filmed in Utah. Not only is this untrue, this is a violation of what this forum is about. Just watch the film and see if you don't find a pleasant evening passing before your eyes and through your heart.
See also
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