(originally from Facepunch.com)
The hype behind the movie:
This movie has a huge hype over it. The thing is: this movie is the return of Disney to hand-drawn animation. Let me explain: the last movies made by Disney that were released to the theaters and animated with the good ol’ pencil were Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear, Emperor’s New Groove and thats it. The animation studios on Orlando (who were part of a tour on one of Disney’s parks) were closed and Disney started producing direct to DVD sequels and movies, most of them animated and drawn on the computer. Princess & the Frog marks the return of Disney to the animation style that made them famous.
Personal Opnions:
- Story (everything that hasn’t been shown on the trailers is in spoiler tag)
The story on the movie is really interesting. We’re presented to Tiana, a young woman who wishes to open her own restaurant on New Orleans (which was one of her father’s wishes). Her father always teached her that you can always wish upon a star, but you gotta work hard to make your dreams come true (a spin on Pinochio’s idea- when you wish upon a star, you dreams can come true). When Tiana finally gets the money for the restaurant, Prince Naveen of Maldonia arrives at New Orleans- he’s a prince who loves to have a good life, dancing, dating woman and being treated to the best things. He arrives with his servant Lawrence, and they are searching for a woman whom he can marry and become rich again (since his parents aren’t giving him money anymore). They are interrupted by Dr.Facilier, a strange man who interacts with his shadow and invites them to his lair, where he can read their future. Facilier reveals that Naveen wishes to have lots of money, and says that he sees green on his future. But Lawrence, who is always pushed around, wishes to be the prince and see Naveen being pushed around . So Facilier turns Naveen into a frog, and takes a bit of his blood in a amulet so that Lawrence transforms into Naveen everytime he wears it . Meanwhile, Tiana is at the Mask Ball and discovers that her ownership of the restaurant is at risk. Charlotte, one of her childhood’s friends (the normal blonde girl- sorry for this- kinda dumb and that wants everything, however with a big heart), gives her a princess dress. Tiana then wishes upon a star that she can have her restaurant, and a frog suddenly appears. The frog is revealed to be Naveen, and asks Tiana for a kiss so he can become human again, according to the “Frog Prince” story. However, when Tiana kisses him, she becomes a frog too. Now they have to journey around the bayou to find a solution to bring them back to the human form. On the journey, they find the jazz-singing alligator Louis, the firefly Ray and Mama Odie.
- Voices
Tiana is voiced by Anika Noni Rose. Naveen is voiced by Bruno Campos. Facilier is voiced by Keith David. Jennifer Cody voices Charlotte. Jenifer Lewis voices Mama Odie. Jim Cummings voices Ray, the firefly. Michal-Leon Wooley voices Louis, the alligator. Peter Bartlett voices Lawrence. Oprah Winfrey voices Tiana’s mother, Eudora. Terrence Howard voices Tiana’s father, James. Incredible work, I loved the fact that Bruno Campos is a brazillian actor. Woohoo! Go Brazil!
- Visuals
The movie has incredible scenery. From Tiana’s restaurant to the incredible bayou, it’s classic Disney animation. The musical scenes just add to the treat. Theyre full of color and enchantment, and everyone on the scene is animated, theres not one single person standing still. I have to give my congratulations for the musical scene on the song Almost There, where Tiana sees her restaurant in the style of the drawing of it that her father gave to her. It’s incredible how you can note the diference between the hand drawn animation and the one made on computers. When you use your pencil and your imagination, nothing can truly hold you back.
- Music
Do you remember all the good ol’ songs that made your childhood back at the 90′s? I mean, if you were born in the 90′s. All the songs that were featured in Disney classics such as Beauty and the Beast and the Little Mermaid are full of wonders and a real treat to your ears (tun tun tun). However, Princess and the Frog takes a step forward in my opnion. In today’s movies, the most common thing we see are action scenes and special effects, with little attention to the music. This movie has captured my attention thanks to its incredible songs. If the movie was only music, I would still love it. Also, this movie has a really influence from jazz, since it is set on New Orleans, so this is a must-see for Jazz lovers. The soundtrack is available for purchase on iTunes, by the way.
Overall note: 9/10
This movie is really great. I recommend it to anyone: people that don’t like Disney and people that like it. It’s a real treat. Get some friends, grab your tickets and enjoy the fun. I really can’t wait to see this on DVD. I didn’t give it a 10 because it has some flaws, but they don’t interrupt your enjoyement. Its an instant classic. Princess and the Frog uses the same formula as the Disney classics, but its still something new for everyone.
