Puntabulous

The Princess and the Frog – Review

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So I watched The Princess and the Frog last night, Disney’s first traditionally animated movie since 2004′s abomination Home on the Range. I thought this was going to be Disney’s big reemergence into traditional animation, with a Rapunzel movie annoyingly named Tangled on the way, but it turns out that’s going to be computer animated. But I certainly hope Disney doesn’t let the relatively meager box office for The Princess and the Frog keep them from continuing on with traditional animation, especially considering how wonderful this movie was. There’s just something about watching a traditionally animated Disney movie that’s like drinking hot chocolate loaded with marshmallows. It’s just warm and wonderful.

The story centers around Tiana, a hard working girl who dreams of opening her own restaurant in New Orleans, who kisses a frog (formerly Prince Naveen of Maldonia) and turns into one herself. The two frogs then have to go find a way to be human again. Along the way they meet a trumpet playing alligator named Louis and a firefly named Ray. To me, Louis and Ray embody the fun, wonderful spirit of the old Disney cartoons. And Ray’s romance with Evangeline added an emotional touch which may or may not have had me crying at the end. Shut up.

A big deal was made about this movie featuring the first black Disney princess (OMG Obama ruined everything!) or the fact that she spends half the movie as a frog (OMG Disney is racist!). But it was such a non-issue. It doesn’t matter what they look like, the chemistry between Tiana and Naveen was so fun and poignant, that they could have been turquoise and it wouldn’t have made a bit of difference. There’s a running joke between them about slime/mucous that’s particularly wonderful. The villain, Dr. Facilier was a pretty suitable Disney villain. While he himself wasn’t particularly frightening, his shadows most definitely were, and they were handled really cleverly. Plus he does something completely dastardly near the end to ensure you hate him, so he’s worthy of being called a Disney villain.

Another thing I really liked was the modern take on the fairy tale, in particular, Tiana’s insistence that hard work and perseverance is a better way of making your dreams come true, rather than wishing on stars. (Though wishing on a star couldn’t hurt.) One thing I really wasn’t crazy about was the Mama Odie character. I don’t know if it was just her character design that bugged me, but I never really connected with her. But that’s just a minor quibble. None of the songs really stick out in my mind right now (there’s certainly no Can You Feel the Love Tonight? stand out) but I distinctly remember tapping my foot throughout almost every single one of them. The jazz infused score really added a nice touch.

So yeah, I really enjoyed this and I hope Disney keeps traditional animation alive. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

MOVIES, REVIEWS | Craig | June 23, 2010 7:13 am

13 Comments

By M. Nicodemus, June 23, 2010 @ 9:50 am

We took the kidlets to see this movie at the theater and they totally loved it, and I may, or may not, have cried because of the whole Ray/Evangeline sub plot. What is it about Disney movies that turn me into a blubbering ten year old girl? Oh, and just a heads up; never go see Finding Nemo after having just left your first born baby with a sitter for the first time. Five minters in and I was looking for the exit so I could run back home and apologize to the SoN (Spawn of Nico) for ever leaving him.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, June 23, 2010 @ 10:07 am

I haven’t seen this, but I’ve added this to my queue. You generally have good taste (Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen being the obvious exception).

At least you don’t cry blood. It seems to make things messy in True Blood.
By Craig, June 23, 2010 @ 10:10 am

But it HATED Transformers 2! I only learned to tolerate it when I watched it again on DVD. I completely agree that it is an awful movie.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, June 23, 2010 @ 10:18 am

You put it on your wishlist.

For some reason, I’m reminded of this quote from Invader Zim:

Zim: I put the fires out.

Tallest: You made them worse.

Zim: Worse . . . or better?
By Michelle, June 23, 2010 @ 10:27 am

I taught the history of animation (traditional to computer) to my juniors this year and made a point of saying that neither is better, it all comes down to the characters and story. A lot of them couldn’t wrap their mind around that sadly. Disney has been doing a combination of computer/traditional since Oliver and Company. I don’t think they could afford to do a full frame by frame/ink and paint cell like they used to.

I didn’t get a chance to respond to the Pixar post but for me the Toy Story trilogy are among my favorites of all time. Others that rank there and above include Disney/Dreamworks: 101 Dalmations, Shrek 2, Bolt and How to Train Your Dragon. Those are not only some of my favorite animated movies but favorite of all movies period.

Thanks for the tip about Princess and Frog, it makes me want to see it more.
By Howard, June 23, 2010 @ 10:58 am

I found it refreshing, too, and loved the music. Plus I was completely surprised by the fact that the one character who dies actually stays dead. No miraculous “Oh, he was just in a coma” kinda thing.
By Jomosexual, June 23, 2010 @ 3:19 pm

I found it interesting how a lot of the characters reminded me of other Disney characters in looks and maneurisms. mama odor is definitely the black mad madaam mimm from sword in the stone…only you know… Not as evil.
By john, June 23, 2010 @ 5:25 pm

I really enjoyed this move. I loved that Tiana was more than just a pretty face that allowed other people to take action. She was a fully fleshed out character. I also liked that Naveen grew as the story went on. I loved John Goodman as Charlotte’s dad and Charlotte herself was a riot.
By M. Nicodemus, June 23, 2010 @ 8:53 pm

John: I was really glad that they made Charlotte such a sweet character rather than going for the trite “spoiled rich brat who would sell out her underprivileged friend in order to get what she wants”
By Michelle M., June 23, 2010 @ 9:32 pm

The movie was a lot better than I thought it would be. I remember thinking, “Oh no. A farting firefly? Pass.”, when I saw the trailer. But he was the best part of the movie.
I love the traditional animation. Probably because I grew up before all the computer animated stuff.

Joemo – You’ve probably already seen this, but it’s no wonder that Mama Odie seems familiar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzyLZYYb2qk&feature=related
By Craig, June 24, 2010 @ 7:38 am

Yeah, Charlotte was great, and I’m really glad she turned out to be good also. I would have been really disappointed if she turned into an evil step sister character.
By john, June 24, 2010 @ 4:51 pm

At least Mama Odie wasn’t as bad as Grandma Clitoris from Pocahontas.
By Justin, June 27, 2010 @ 7:52 am

“Grandma Clitoris”? Ew?