Before you even start this review, you probably already know if you are going to see “The Princess and the Frog” or not. Either you’re a grumpy, angst-ridden college kid who is too old for such a stupid children’s movie, or you’re a person who still fondly remembers classic movies like “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast” with memories of simpler days.
If you scoff at the idea of watching a movie comparable to “Mulan,” then you can safely avoid this movie. If you feel nostalgic when people mention Disney films and wish they would make more, then you are in luck.
Disney’s recent animated tale truly matches up to the standards of past films, but never surpasses them. If you can stomach this idea, then you will enjoy the film from start to finish.
“The Princess and the Frog” follows the Disney archetype very closely. Misunderstood Disney princess (or soon to be princess) struggles to prove that she is something more than meets the eye, meets her prince
But can’t be with him immediately, has villains chasing her (with no real motivation besides that the villains are just plain evil), and sings throughout the film about her dreams and woes.
While “The Princess and the Frog” might seem like one cliché after the other, it does manage to mix up the formula.
The film is most notable for featuring the first black princess, which initially caused some controversy.
The main character, Tiana, is different from previous entries into Disney royalty besides just race, though. She’s not some helpless damsel in distress hoping to find her one true love.
Tiana is a girl who was raised in the poor part of New Orleans. Her only dream is to become financially independent and start her own business, which is almost unheard of in Disney fairy tales.
The setting also sets this animated adventure apart from past ones.
When I heard that New Orleans was going to be the setting for this movie, I was skeptical, but Disney managed to make the city look beautiful, like it could have been the capital of some fictional kingdom. At the same time they make New Orleans recognizable with steamboats, swamps and huge manors, giving the city character.
The film also continues the Disney tradition of music. “The Princess and the Frog” is scored by Randy Newman, best known for providing the music for most Pixar movies.
While the music is enjoyable, it isn’t quite as catchy or as memorable as classics found in “The Little Mermaid” or “The Lion King.”
Once you eject the DVD you probably won’t have any of the songs stuck in your head, but will probably have the urge to download soundtracks of Disney’s past.
Overall “The Princess and the Frog” won’t be going down in the history books for being an instant classic.
It will probably best be remembered for featuring a black princess and being Disney’s relaunch of animated musicals. If you find yourself aching for just one more animated movie from your childhood, go ahead and rent it. You won’t be disappointed. The film is extremely visually appealing and has plenty of laughs.
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