Beauty and the Beast - Go see it already (4 min read)

We used to go round my nana's every sunday and watch a new Disney VHS. I remember seeing Belle jumping round on the TV when I was a kid and falling for her then.

She was this beautiful, clever, sassy little thing who just wanted to escape from her tiny little Village and find what was waiting for her out in the big-wide-world. She didn't come from much and was missing a mamma but she loved reading and she was absolutely not about to settle for the first good looking horny dude that came knocking and tried to tie her down.

IMO she was such a better role model than that lazy Sleeping Beauty who just seemed to knock around the woods getting into trouble and then had a massive nap until a guy came along and snogged her awake.

Belle had all the dreams. And she was brave. When her pops got into trouble she jumped on the pony and ran to get him. The latest version is everything a little disney fan could want. She's still fearless, still intelligent and still holding out for something better. Emma Watson was a great choice and the supporting cast are as humorous as they are moving to watch in their portrayal of the characters.

Belle knows that people think she is weird (and even a bit spoilt) for not being happy in her tiny little village. She doesn't judge them for being content with their lives, she just wants to be in a big city, in this case Paris. When she finds her pops in trouble in the castle she busts up to get him, fronts off to the beast and calls him out on his shady behaviour. Just like in the original he doesn't like it.

#StroppyBolloxOverThere

Watching the movie as an adult this time round I took so much more from it: there are tonnes of strong messages on the go. Primarily that small towns can have small minds and you should never let this hold you back or drag you down. Other peoples negativity is none of your business and only serves to make them feel better about themselves. Let them do it. Keep being you, specially if you love reading, want to earn enough to live in your own castle and have a life full of adventures and things that make you happy. What ever you dreams are - Go Get Em, and leave behind anyone who tries to tell you different, they will be happier and so will you.

The movie also hammers home that people are so much more than their outward appearance. It ALWAYS comes down to who someone is inside. Gaston was hot as fudge. Physically strong, but mentally a little dweeb. So as ever - don't let looks distract you. Especially smooth talking men you meet in bars, on Tinder or on holiday.

#DontFallForIt

So with a little help from Chip, Mrs Potts, Lumiere and that funny little clock, Belle and the Beast start to like each other in spite of both of their tempers and sass. I love how the beast melts over her. How she starts to see there is more to him than all that's made him so grumpy.

In the 2017 version, just like the original - Love Conquers All. After a mini rumble in the castle and a cheap shot from that wrong-en Gaston that sees him end up in the dust where he belongs, Belle gets her beau.

I need to manage some expectations here - there's no guarantee that all the single pringles out there will end up in a castle with a banging wardrobe and a hottie, but its not a bad place start setting your sights. Finding a dude who has flaws but lets you in and falls head over heels for you. Someone who brings out the best in you and tests you. And just incase he isn't a prince, or #ShockHorror he takes a while to show up - make sure you have been busy hustlin' to build your own empire in the mean time. Get out there and be making the most of your freedom so when it happens you are ready to join forces. And if you are anything like me and were ruined by disney princess dreams long ago, dont ever give up on what you want out of life, even if it seems stupid or unrealistic or a lot like hard work.

You really can have whatever is that makes that heat kick off inside your heart. Just like in all these cheesy little movies it might take a bit of upheaval to get there and for sure things won't always go smoothly. 100% there will be at least one baddie around trying to knock you off course or tell you that you can't. But that's just real life, so keep going Tinderellas - #YouGotThis.

And go see Beauty and the Beast when you get the chance - it will make you giggle and smile and believe in Disney again.

And you gotta have time for that.

All the love

Tinders

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