The Princess & the Frog

The Princess & the Frog (2009)
Genre: Animation, Family
Rated: G
Running Time: 97 minutes

This Disney movie, based loosely off of The Frog Princess, a novel by E.D. Baker is the first Disney film to star an African American lead. E.D Baker's novel was motivated by the Grimm Brother's story, The Frog Prince. (Grimm Brothers as you may know, are the widely known fairytale writers who've created many classic tales. Among the most popular are: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White.)

The story takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. Not just any city and not just any neighborhood - we meet Tiana, voiced by Anika Noni Rose, in The French Quarter, one of the most renowned neighborhoods of New Orleans. She's an inspired, hard-working young woman full of inspiration, set finish her father's dream of opening a restaurant. Her prosperous best friend Charlotte, voiced by Jennifer Cody, is enchanted by the mere idea of a foreign prince's arrival in hopes of falling madly in love. Naveen, voiced by Bruno Campos, is a young, carefree prince from Maldonia and is a passionate young man. Who is also broke. Getting mixed up with some shady voodoo, Naveen gets amphibiously transformed and Tiana somehow gets mixed in with it all!

The viewing experience alone was interesting enough to rememer: - the dancing little girl in the theatre who couldn't get enough of the catchy tunes. The teenage girl behind us sniffling when a particular (won't spoil the movie!) character doesn't make it. It all seems silly but everything about it made me happy! Then to behold the quality of wonderful story-telling and vivid animation was just incredible. The root of where this story take place has an immense amount of history, it makes those who aren't knowledged in the area make you need to see this town! You can't help but desire to be a part of the richness of the music, the spicy deliciousness of its cuisine and the history of its people. I couldn't get home soon enough to google what I could about the French Quarter and those of Creole descent.

Even more, the songs are catchy and full of messages. The song sung at the Mama Odie's (Jenifer Lewis) Tree in the middle of the bayou I believe called Dig Deeper, has a positive message in the face of our current superficial-filled, bling bling desired culture. Not to mention, Walt Disney's history of racial sensitivity is close to nil and this is an incredible feat that has been well executed.

So pleasing is this experience; I give this five out of five frames!



See below for the trailer:



Be sure to head to the forum at www.j1studios.com to chat about whether or not I've convinced you to check this out.

Danae signing off!


source: www.traileraddict.com