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YOU. UNF. ||
SO. I just got back from seeing "The Princess and the Frog" right now-
AND BOY AM I HAPPY.
I've been looking forward to this ever since they announced it- going as far as to research this past week any reviews. While they didn't make me want to watch it any less, they did give me that firm sense that this ISN'T a movie that can be considered in league with the 1990's Renaissance Disney- Nope, this isn't as good as Lion King, Mermaid, Beauty, or Aladdin.
But it's almost there. (A big phrase from the movie |D).
Here's the Breakdown:
Speaking in Artistic terms, the Animation was SPECTACULAR. Beautifully done, with scenes reminiscent more of Sleeping Beauty than Lion King in terms of scenery, the Bayou was wonderfully done, and the Animation of New Orleans has a certain Peter-Pan-esque feeling of London. The drawings moved fluidly, and the body language was spectacular- not to mention that more often than not the animation added to the story. Colorwise, there's a set palate- Browns, Greens, and Blues- but it helps feed that earthy feeling, and the scenes were it breaks (Tiana's "Almost There" with the 1930's Deco experimentation, Dr.Facilier's "Friends on the Other Side", and Mama Odie's "Dig a little Deeper", not to mention the ending) are beautiful displays of color that really remind you how amazing 2D animation is.
Acting-wise (or Voice-acting, to be specific), they did a GREAT job with casting. Anika Noni Rose (The voice of Tiana) not only breathed life into this Spunky, Hard-working Princess, but she gave her a maturity and like-ability that really makes it easy to identify with Tiana, and to want her to succeed. Bruce Campos as Prince Naveen gives him a suave charm that helps the comedy- and Terrence Howard (Iron Man), Oprah Winfrey, and John Goodman (Pacha in Emperor's New Groove) join the casting to make a fantastic movie experience.
Musically, It was the weakest point, in my opinion. To be perfectly honest, I would've adored Alan Menken to participate- but Randy Newman, who's known for his music, among other things, in Toy Story, did manage to bring the movie to life with Jazz and Zydeco music, although there was no particular song that stood out- Dig a Little Deeper would be the closest, I'd say. But not even then. I think it's the one thing the movie really needed.
Finally, the story. This is the part I'll elaborate on the least, since I'm doing my best to NOT SPOIL ANYTHING. xD But it was a very interesting take on both the original story, and the ending. I found that it was actually an intelligent choice for Disney, since it's a situation most of America can Identify with- Children and Parents alike. Certain characters stood out- Ray the Firefly, who I adored, along with Mama Odie and the BAD ASS Dr. Facilier. I swear guys- that man is BAMF. It was about time. XD Oddly enough, Charlotte, the Blonde, is not the character who you would think she was- and I think it's true for most of the characters, which gives the movie a touch of reality: Not everyone is what they seem to be. I found Tiana to be very inspiring- and it doesn't matter whether you're black or white or Grey with neon hair. 8| Finally, and the most important thing I noted (and loved/appreciated) from the movie, was the moral- a moral unlike anything we've seen from Disney. True, we've got the "Diamond in the Rough" ideal, and the thought to Never give up- but there's a newer, important message ((And Yes, it might be the only Spoiler- So I'll pull a ~
C4tspajamas and put it between brackets)) [What you need and What you want are two different things]. As she said- It's a pretty darn good moral. X3
Critically speaking, I'd only say it's missing a better soundtrack...and less Frog time. I wanted to see more of them as humans ;~;
BUT OVERALL- I give it an A. It may not be the most amazing movie Disney's ever come out with- but It's a sign that the studio is coming back to life- What I, personally, have been waiting for. <3
SO GO WATCH IT!
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Dance Batman...Dance.
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Stalker!Claus is coming to Town~ (X-mas day 2009) 
Big Grin
