Movie Feature: The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Gawd, I can't believe I totally forgot to write up a review for this movie!
The Princess and the Frog is the latest animation outing from Walt Disney Animation Studios, and this time, they have deserted 3D for the traditional 2D animation. Personally, I prefer 2D rather than 3D. Firstly, it is because I grew up watching those, and secondly, 2D animation tends to have an ACTUAL plot and wonderful musicals compared to 3D. And it is the latter two which you will find in The Princess and the Frog.
Of course, in terms of plot exposition and elements, the same old cliches are used, but the presentation is what makes everything feels so fresh and delightful. For those who have been keeping up, The Princess and the Frog does not only take a departure from 3D visuals, it also has Disney's first African-American heroine. Tiana. Tiana is not a princess by any means, in fact, she is merely a waitress who is working hard to save up money to start her own restaurant. Fate intervenes when the fun-loving but broke Prince Naveen arrives in New Orleans with the goal of marrying Tiana's best friend, Charlotte LaBouff, for her wealth. Or, God forbid, get a job. However, all goes wrong when Naveen and Lawrence run into the shady Dr. Facilier, also known as "The Shadow Man". Dr. Facilier tricks Naveen and transforms him into a frog and after an unfortunate bout with Tiana, the both of them set off on their journey to change themselves back to humans once more.
The characters of the movie are hilarious and the dialogue is clever. None of them come across as nonsensical or underdeveloped, by animation standards of course. What I love the most though, is the new musical approach they have chosen, which consists of jazz and blues tracks (there may be more variations, but I am musically illiterate). Further, the movie also throws in a few twists here and there and the end is satisfying, albeit bittersweet because of a CERTAIN character. The ever-present flaw in movies? Well, here it is: ironically enough, this movie still does not compare to the the preceding Pixar 3D animation, Up (2009). Up (2009) is definitely more superior in terms of story, animation and music.
Basically, you do not watch The Princess and the Frog for anything groundbreaking. Instead, you watch it for the warm familiarity it provides to the studio's early-1990s animations. After all, tales of princes and princesses and "love conquers all" are timeless. Highly recommended!
The Princess and the Frog is the latest animation outing from Walt Disney Animation Studios, and this time, they have deserted 3D for the traditional 2D animation. Personally, I prefer 2D rather than 3D. Firstly, it is because I grew up watching those, and secondly, 2D animation tends to have an ACTUAL plot and wonderful musicals compared to 3D. And it is the latter two which you will find in The Princess and the Frog.
Of course, in terms of plot exposition and elements, the same old cliches are used, but the presentation is what makes everything feels so fresh and delightful. For those who have been keeping up, The Princess and the Frog does not only take a departure from 3D visuals, it also has Disney's first African-American heroine. Tiana. Tiana is not a princess by any means, in fact, she is merely a waitress who is working hard to save up money to start her own restaurant. Fate intervenes when the fun-loving but broke Prince Naveen arrives in New Orleans with the goal of marrying Tiana's best friend, Charlotte LaBouff, for her wealth. Or, God forbid, get a job. However, all goes wrong when Naveen and Lawrence run into the shady Dr. Facilier, also known as "The Shadow Man". Dr. Facilier tricks Naveen and transforms him into a frog and after an unfortunate bout with Tiana, the both of them set off on their journey to change themselves back to humans once more.
The characters of the movie are hilarious and the dialogue is clever. None of them come across as nonsensical or underdeveloped, by animation standards of course. What I love the most though, is the new musical approach they have chosen, which consists of jazz and blues tracks (there may be more variations, but I am musically illiterate). Further, the movie also throws in a few twists here and there and the end is satisfying, albeit bittersweet because of a CERTAIN character. The ever-present flaw in movies? Well, here it is: ironically enough, this movie still does not compare to the the preceding Pixar 3D animation, Up (2009). Up (2009) is definitely more superior in terms of story, animation and music.
Basically, you do not watch The Princess and the Frog for anything groundbreaking. Instead, you watch it for the warm familiarity it provides to the studio's early-1990s animations. After all, tales of princes and princesses and "love conquers all" are timeless. Highly recommended!