ENGLISH - (U) - 10 December 2009 - Animation/Musical/Romance
Distributor: Buena VistaRunning Time: 97 minutes
Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
Producer: Peter Del Vecho, John Lasseter
Writers: Ron Clements, John Musker, Rob Edwards
Starring: Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David, Michael-Leon Wooley
Plot: A prince named Naveen (Bruno Campos) from the land of Maldonia is transformed into a frog by the evil scheming voodoo magician Dr. Facilier (Keith David). The frog prince asks a waitress named Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) to break the spell by kissing him. However, the kiss doesn't break the spell, but instead turns Tiana into a frog as well. Together, the two of them must reach the good voodoo priestess of the Bayou, Mama Odie (Jenifer Lewis), while befriending a trumpet-playing alligator and a hopelessly romantic firefly along the way.
The Verdict
Green Tea Bern Says:
For years Disney has not try to make the audience to get impressed by their hand-drawn animation. Now, you got one. Adapted from E.D. Baker's novel The Frog Princess and Grimm Brother's The Frog Prince, the film was a successful return to the traditional form. Now who said non-3D does not made any impact?
The story is a straight forward as it sees. The central story uses the American-Black cultures that we have seen before to anchor it, a Black princess, a voodoo magic-spells and a setting of post World-War 1 New Orleans in Lousiana. Watching this movie makes me few how beautiful this city port on the delta of mangrove forest is once. Perhaps, watching the movie brings back all those memory we have watched in the past like The Lion King, Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast.
Disney is the only reliable production company that makes a good animation. Thanks to their all reliable and strong story plot to venture, this one makes no different, a similar out-of-the-edge inspiring piece of tales with pleasant and relaxing pace. The anchor story is very fundamental where it has accompanying with Broadway-like musical arrangement, the story-telling is simply brilliant. It is gravy, delicious and it is definitely ageless. The rich in flavours, tune and golden eccentric display did the film much of the excitement to watch.
The story itself is comparable with Pixar's Up, rich in styles but the latter still have the edge over the former due to the uniqueness story theme involving an old man. Perhaps, the best sentence is that Pixar serves more to cater a story with an anti-hero male character while the traditionalist would prefer a story with an amazing woman to spiral it up. Nevertheless, no matter which is it, this froggy flick serve what its best for - no crappy action-coordinated and a joyful entertaining animation.
The role of Princess Tiana by Anika Noni Rose is well-developed. We can see huge transformation and dramatical on her life throughout the story but she retained some of her believe and passion. The character is nevertheless inspiring and has bigger dream for life. The similar pattern can be seen on the character Prince Naveen (Bruce Campbell). However, Dr Facilier (Keith David) seems purposeless and until now I do not seem to have any idea on his plan at all. His role was a bit chaotic. Ray, the firefly was somehow awesome too. Tiny but he has a strong heart for the love of his life, Evangeline, thought it is not a firefly at all, like him.
The cinematographic experience has it that the city of New Orleans been transformed as a city of lights and magic. It was great to see how this 1930's background would have brought a much breathtaking take to play a major role for the movie. The lights of beautiful jazz music and the magical spirit of voodoo spells are pretty much the stage set for the movie to run. Simply amazing.
Need a year-end animation thrust to fill those thirst for at least a non-eye-soring 3D pop-out, The Princess and the Frog is the best choice. You will love it and enjoy it. Don't worry, the voodoo spells and the alligator won't bite in the peaceful bayou.
THE RATING...
STORY - 4.0 stars
CASTS - 4.0 stars
CINEMATOGRAPHY - 4.0 stars
EFFECTS - 4.5 stars
OVERALL - 4.0 stars
Green-Tea-O-Meter: 16.3