A return to form for Disney and proof that 2D animation still has life in its old bones.
The Princess & The Frog signals a return to the classic 2D animation Disney is known and loved for. Over the last 72 years they have given us classics such as Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Sleeping Beauty, The Lion King, Beauty & The Beast and much, much more. Why then, has it been 5 long years since their last traditionally animated movie, Home on the Range?
Looking at the film’s released since Disney shifted to 3D – Chicken Little, Meet The Robinsons and Bolt – not one of them resonates as much as their earlier work. Somewhere between the transition from 2D to 3D the most important element was lost – the story. Disney should never have tried to compete with Pixar in the 3D field because they were fighting a losing battle. Good thing the studios are owned by the same company these days. Thankfully, despite Disney originally saying Home on The Range was their last 2D picture, new studio heads John Lasseter and Ed Catmull have brought 2D back from the dead and given us Disney’s best work in years, The Princess & The Frog.
Taking place in New Orleans in the jazz years of the 1920s, the film follows Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) who slaves away at two jobs, dreaming of starting her own restaurant. Meanwhile her best friend Charlotte (Jennifer Cody) is anticipating the arrival of Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos) of Maldonia who is rumoured to be seeking a bride. Things get complicated when Naveen meets Dr. Facilier (Keith David), a voodoo doctor who tricks him and turns him into a frog. While trapped in the body of a frog Naveen meets Tiana, who he believes can turn him back into a human because she looks like a princess.
Of course this backfires and Tiana turns into a frog too. What follows is an entertaining adventure through the Bayou where they meet a jazz loving alligator named Louis (Michael-Leon Woody), old mama Odie (Jenifer Lewis) and my personal favourite character, a firefly named Ray (Jim Cummings). Memorable characters are another element that has been lacking in recent Disney movies but Louis, mama Odie and Ray are up there with the best of them. Whether it’s Louis’ dream of playing in a Jazz band or Ray’s pining for the Evening Star (he thinks it’s a firefly, bless him) they are guaranteed to leave kids (and adults) with a smile on their face.
The Princess & The Frog is also notable for it being the first time an African-American princess has been used, trying to make up for decades of under-representation. The setting, in an African-American block of New Orleans, is inspired and I hope it draws more visitors to an area still struggling in the aftermath of Katrina. The film glides over any racial issues of the time but this is a Disney movie afterall.
Given it’s a Disney movie, there is a strong message about the importance of following your dreams, the power of true love and family. The villains are caricatures and the extended musical sequences are a joy to watch. And there’s a rollicking good story at its core. That’s the true Disney we have come to love. Even though the next release from Disney is the CGI Rapunzel, I have a feeling it won’t be 5 years till the next return to classic animation.
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