Review: The Princess and the Frog

Grade: A

The Princess and the Frog is an animated movie that retells the classic story The Frog Prince. This story centers around a girl, Tiana, who is a hard working waitress who is saving up to open her own restaurant in Jazz-age New Orleans. Prince Naveen comes to town around Mardi Gras in hopes of finding a woman to be his prince. Naveen encounters a voodoo magician who turns Naveen into a frog for his own nefarious plans. When Tiana encounters the frog Naveen she remembers the childhood story and kisses him in hopes he will turn back into a prince, instead she gets turned into a frog herself. Then with the help of a trumpet playing alligator, a Cajun firefly and an old blind woman, Naveen and Tiana race through the bayou and against time to break the curse and fulfill their dreams.

It is so nice to see the classic animation back in Disney movies… or any movies for that matter. This movie looks beautiful and brings back memories of many classics. It is very interesting to see a movie set in the golden years of the beautiful city of New Orleans. It reminds me that I must make my way to New Orleans soon. This is definitely one of the best animated movies of the year, simply fantastic. The story is sweet and funny at times and really keeps you interested throughout.

One thing that made me laugh before the movie even came out was all the controversy surrounding it. This is Disney's first black "princess" but her prince, Prince Naveen, is not black. This seemed to infuriate people for some odd reason. "In the year we have our nation's first black president we can't even get a black prince in a Disney movie" people would say. Well, Prince Naveen is a pretty non-descript race. Also, I feel this is better than having a black prince, for once a Disney movie is showing a mixed race relationship. Anyway, that was my two cents on the matter.

The voice cast for the movie was great. Anika Noni Rose did the voice of Tiana and she did a great job. Bruno Campos did the voice of the regionally non-specific Prince Naveen. Keith David did the voice of the evil Voodoo doctor Facilier. Terrance Howard did the voice of James and John Goodman did the voice of "Big Daddy" La Bouff.

This movie is just amazing and it's really great to see Disney getting back to their roots. I actually suggest everybody go see this movie, it is fun for all ages and I think most anybody could enjoy it.

Great quote: "You sure this is the right blind lady who lives in a boat in a tree in the Bayou?"