when I was growing up, I had an Uncle who had a large array of Disney movies on VHS. Before I could walk, I knew how to operate those babies (Yeah, I know. I'm old). I would watch Snow White, Lady and The Tramp & Winnie The Pooh again and again. So when Disney announced in 2004 that Disney would stop 2D forever, I was devastated. Tears were shed and I sure as heck wasn't pleased that Ron Clements and John Musker were thrown out of Disney. What would become of the Feature animation Department?
But in 2006, John Lasstter arrived and put a stop to the CGI madness. He brought forth 2D. Ron N' John were rehired and they had a new musical in the pipeline: The Princess and The Frog.
In the tale, Tiana wants to follow her father's dream and open up the biggest Resteraunt this side of Louisiana. However, she has soon become a workaholic and ignores all her friends and family. Soon, she meets Prince Naveen. Thanks to the evil Dr. Falicier, he has become a frog and his valet Lawernce is posing as the handsome Prince. Once Tiana plants a kiss on the prince ,it turns out trouble and adventure await the duo as they cross the New Orleans bayou to meet Mama Odie who is their only hope of fixing the spell.
Tiana is a wonderful princess. However, no offense to her, but she may be the weaker part of the film. Her companions are delightful. Prince Naveen is the best Disney Prince of all-time, hands down. Most Disney Princes have no defining characteristics (the only negative thing that can be really said about them), but he has a lot of reliance on people and doesn't get life itself. Tiana changes that for him of course. Louis is a fun character, he being a crocodile who wants to be in a band. He really stands out. Dr. Falicier is the best Disney Villain in years and has an outstanding number in the middle. His voodoo friends are really well-done.
The delight of the film is Ray, the Cajun firefly. I myself thought he was the bathroom joke spouting character, like Hurley in G-Force. However, he is actually the wonderful guru of the film, knowing much about love. His romance with a star he dubs Levangrie is beautiful and touching. SPOILER ALERT!!! His death is crushing, as Dr. Flaicier crushes him with a foot. With the sickening crunch that guaranteed his death, the audience gasped and so did I. During his funeral, everyone was crying, including me! SPOILER ALERT!!!!
The music here really fits in perfectly with the Disney Canon. Randy Newman was a choice that I was skeptical about, but he does nicley here. There are many nice numbers, but my favorites are "When We're Human", "Friends On The Other Side" & "Don't Matter What You Look Like" will have you tapping out of the aisle.
Hands down one of the best films of the year & decade, The Princess nad The Frog assures you Disney is still alive and well. Although a frog hunting scene could've been cut, that's the only thing I say was wrong with this classic worthy of Walt Disney himself. A masterpiece for generations to come, The Pricness and The Frog proves Disney is back and better than ever!
Rating: A or 9.4 out of 10
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