Excellent, smart action film.

A Brilliant Conflict

It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

I liked the scenery through most of the movie. It was nice to see the classic hand drawn Disney movie vs the computer drawn we rely on now. Main problem was the story was a bit too much, and you couldn't really relate to the characters. Another thing I noticed was how forgettable the villain was in this movie. Hell, I just watched it and feel I need to google the villain's name again. I rate it a 6 because it's worth watching again in a few years, but no major Wow factor.

This cartoon is both the beginning and the end. It's the beginning of Modern era of Disney Princess. And end the era of traditional animation for the iconic Disney cartoon series."Old-fashioned" Released at the wrong time, this creation was like delayed child. If it came out 10-15 years earlier, before the rise of 3D animation, it probably would be a gem in the crown of the cartoon princesses... Dreams, dreams...Familiar and new story. Familiar and new ideas On the one hand, "the frog asked for a kiss, because it was a handsome prince". And this story has been improved by Disney. Plot turns constantly show us that it is not what it seems. Misleading title, misleading characters... You can't deny the creation has a lot of courage. On the other hand, The Princess and the Frog has a familiar story that resembles previous Disney cartoons and at the same time it's original. The novelty was primarily in the subject, in the action that takes place in the real world in America, in the characters - African Americans and in unexpected plot twists. This film certainly shows us an old skeleton - a prince and princess, love line test... The film also has a certain mystique and darkness, which reminds of "The Little Mermaid" or "Aladdin" or Golden era of Disney Princess. It summarizes all the best ideas of good old cartoons: love need and worth fighting for, love will overcome all obstacles, be kind, friendly, hardworking, help others, love your family and nature, self-sacrifice for others... And yet, there are new important ideas set forth in this film: be hardworking, really hardworking, honest, never forget what you already have, have your dream, desire it with all your heart and do everything for it, but don't let your goal blinding you, be open for changes... And it's always nice to know that the princess was not fixated on love, like most of her predecessors.Multilayer characters This is definitely something you will like the most in this film. Each character is very different from another. Seriously, the story brings together such different personalities that you can only wonder how easily writers spend so colorful characters, which would be enough for several cartoons. Again, here each person is not who he/she seems... The princess is not a princess, the daughter of a rich man is not daughter of rich man, and alligator is not that toothy and scary swamp witch... Well, you will see. Can I say, after watching you'll love every positive character? Tiana, Prince Naveen, gator Louise, firefly Ray, Mama Odie, Charlotte... Each is simply fascinating, makes you fall in love with him, behind caricature or frivolity hidden soul that can be humane and sensual. Minor characters are not playing the role of the background. They influence the story, interact with the main characters and everyone has a wonderful story line that will not leave you unmoved. Tiana and Naveen relations... They have the remarkable confrontation of "Pocahontas" and "Mulan 2" and you just fall in love with this couple and their relationship. Tiana is one of those bad-ass princesses who can stand up for herself. She is not naive, and really focused and hardworking. Again, she is not fixated on love, and her relationship with parents is touching. She's not just there; she understands how life works and goes to her goal, but fair. It is a delight to watch, especially when we talk about "Disney Princess cartoon". And I would also like to note that Prince Naveen (as the main male character) plays an important role here, and he is also the main character beside Tiana, because we see how he changes throughout the film. Evolves naturally and not force. And we see the complete equality in relations with Tiana, which makes it realistic and attractive. Actually Prince Naveen is also very attractive too.Atmosphere This cartoon has the atmosphere of the old Disney cartoons and special charm of a small town - New Orleans in 1920s. There's intertwining of different cultures - American, African, French, European and jazz... The mood of the film in the first place positive comedy, There are skillfully woven into it drama, cartoons, mysticism, and even tragedy. And, of course, a pinch of romance. It is through positive, inspired, somewhat naive attitude, painting captivated the hearts of the audience, mesmerizing and after watching you feel great. This sensation leads back to watching again and again.Visual I am not an expert in drawing cartoon and visuals in general. But as a simple spectator, I want to say that the cartoon looks visually for all 105 million. I am thrilled with the work of artists and worship their talent.Conclusion I just love this cartoon. It is a masterpiece. Beautiful, multifaceted characters, unusual story, a strong message, atmosphere of good old Disney and incredible visual work make this perfect. The Princess and the Frog will like people of all ages, because it is a traditional animation, yet contemporary themes and issues. What is important in this, it would seem, cartoon about the Princess is an incredible balance between men and women, including the main couple. Equality smells in the air. So this cartoon I would call ideal feminist film (when we talk about true equality, not superiority of women).P. S. What more I can say, when even the story line of minor character touched me so deeply that I cried...

Visually this movie looks beautiful, but unfortunately it was a little boring, which is kind of odd for a Disney film. I can look past almost every other hangup I might have with a movie if I am genuinely entertained, but not boredom. Not to say that the entire movie was boring, but enough that I did notice it, and when you get to point in a movie where you don't really care what is going on, well... that pretty much ends it. After seeing it I knew I had no desire to ever see it again even though some aspects were quite good. I know that most Disney movies have their predictable elements, but this movie seemed so by- the-numbers that it never surprised me and never moved outside the box.

The Princess and the Frog (2009): Dir: Ron Clements, John Musker / Voices: Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jim Cummings: A disappointing magical tale about the layers of beauty. A Prince is transformed into a frog by a voodoo magician and when waitress Tiana kisses him, she too becomes a frog. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker who both collaborated on various animated projects including their biggest masterpiece, The Little Mermaid as well as Aladdin and Hercules. They are backed with colorful animation but terrible musical numbers. Anika Noni Rose voices the loyal Tiana who wishes to open her own restaurant. Even as a frog she demonstrates boldness in the face of adversary. Bruno Campos voices the Prince who is inexperienced in nearly everything. We realize that these two are meant to be but the humour counters predictable elements. Keith David has the misfortune of voicing the pathetically cardboard voodoo villain. Michael-Leon Wooley voices a jazz playing alligator. Why he can play music is not explained but his craving is for music, not people. Jim Cummings voices a firefly that fails to light up the screenplay beyond its formula delivery. Although it comes off occasionally corny it does twist the frog princess cliché in a different direction. It just loses the magic that other films had sustained. Score: 5 / 10