A trailblazing, no-nonsense bookworm and a narcissistic brute last graced the big screen 26 years ago. After shining as a Disney crown jewel, “Beauty and the Beast” was reintroduced this time featuring live actors instead of two-dimensional characters. The trailers made ’90s kids’ hearts flutter and ignited a new fascination in the hearts of kids everywhere.

Yet it also infuriated fans of the original who believed their beloved Disney animated flick needed no remake, adopting the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” attitude. In a movie world full of bad remakes, this one was an exception.

While the story remained nearly the same as the ’91 film, with a few alterations here and there (such as finding out what happened to Belle’s mother), “Beauty and the Beast” presented the same story with refurbished musical numbers and characters. The casting was spot on—even the motion-captured characters showed the personalities of the cast members behind them. Plus, the Beast had 10 times more personality in this movie than the ’91 original, which made him all the more sympathetic and his budding romance with Belle all the more believable.

I’m usually against remakes, because more often than not they ruin or mar the original, but “Beauty and the Beast” pays homage to the original and keeps its legacy intact. It doesn’t take any stupid risks and doesn’t dilute the plot with meaningless twists or unnecessary characters. Sure, many people see this film as a money-grab scheme by Disney, which it might be, but isn’t that what all movies aim to do?

What harm comes from reliving a childhood classic? Sometimes a new paint job is needed; a change of scenery is beneficial.

Plus, Dan Stevens is a fresh-faced force to be reckoned with and I’m so glad that he’s getting the exposure he deserves. I first fell for Dan when he starred in “Downton Abbey,” and I’ve followed his career ever since. If you’re just meeting him through this film, definitely check him out in “Downton Abbey” and “The Guest,” you won’t be disappointed.

For the most part, remakes are not the best. They shine a spotlight on the lack of creativity strangling the movie industry. However, this movie is a breath of fresh air into a marvelous classic, and a necessary dose of nostalgia in a time when millennials retreat more and more into their childhood for relaxation and stress relief.

“Beauty and the Beast” is a “tale as old as time,” and no matter how many times you see it, or what format it is presented in, you should pay attention to the timeless message. Times change, and the animation that won hearts back in ’91 probably wouldn’t fare so well in this age of technological advancement and CGI, but the message needs to be told. And this is how it’s done.

The characters might look different, the songs may not sound the same, but the mantra of “Beauty and the Beast” remains immaculate. Beauty is so much deeper than what is on the outside. Maybe we should take a similar approach to remakes—well, some of them.