There's news: good and bad. Good, that with Princess & The Frog, Disney goes back to its roots, sketching characters that are not just animated but also have a heart and soul
Princess and the Frog
U; Animation
Dir: Ron Clements and John Musker
Cast: Anika Noni Rose, Terrence Howard, John Goodman, Keith David, Jim Cummings, Jennifer Lewis, and Oprah Winfrey
***1/2
What's it about: There's news: good and bad. Good, that with Princess & The Frog, Disney goes back to its roots, sketching characters that are not just animated but also have a heart and soul. The bad news is that Randy Newman's songs for the film aren't that catchy. But the fairy tale story of Tiana (Noni Rose) who kisses a frog (Bruno Campos) hoping he will turn into a prince only to turn a frog herself is extremely charming.
What's hot: Tiana is Disney's first African-American princess. Step aside, Snow White, Tiana is the new 'it' girl. Anika Noni does a splendid job of giving Tiana the colour, humour, wit and charm she deserves. The film has a load of interesting characters -- there's a singing alligator, a voodoo-performing bad guy, an oddball princess who's a spoilt brat, and a lot of interesting sidekicks. There is an old-school touch and feel to this film. Despite the Age of Pixar and 3D being upon us, Disney goes back to their roots crafting sights and sounds that will make you revisit your childhood days. The jokes and the humour work for all ages, also the setting in Louisiana gives the story and characters a certain edge. Also unlike other animated films, the focus isn't on just creating wow moments but also on telling a beautiful story.
What's not: The songs don't really work in favour of taking the story forward. Also the second half seems a bit rushed. Disney might find a hassle in making the film universal with the story and characters somewhat stereotyped to suit the need.
What to do: This one has the heart of the Lion King, the innocence of the Little Mermaid and the romance of Beauty and the Beast. Get ready to fall in love with Disney all over again. A big thumbs-up.
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