The Princess and the Frog

After complaints about the number of computer generated films they were churning out either through their own channels or with Pixar, Disney have gone back to basics with this charming hand-drawn animated film.

Was I sceptical? Sure. But I was also excited, and in the end I was won over by this fun film.

I guess it would help to know what my Disney benchmarks are. Well for me, Aladdin, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and The Jungle Book are the epitome of the best cartoon movies ever. The best Disney, and in fact anyone, has offered. I'm violently opposed to Tarzan, Mulan and Pocahontas (obviously excluding the Vanessa Williams parts of the later). My middle ground of being mildly enjoyable would include Hercules, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Robin Hood ... OK so you see where I'm coming from.

So where does The Princess and the Frog sit in comparison to these? I'd say truth be told closer to Hercules than Aladdin, however it gets full points for the rush of excitement I got when I began to watch. It's a movie that looks like one from when I was a kid!! Definite excitement quotient to factor into the final rating.

The story - nice. Unremarkable. Like most Disney cartoons it's very simple and easy to follow with a few scary moments, some ups, some downs and some romance. Perfect really.

The script - I think one of their better efforts of late. It really did feel like an old-school Disney classic.

The animation - Fantastic. It's hand drawn, but it's advanced from the days when Mickey and Donald would build boats together.

The music - Just OK. I really want to emphasise that the music really plays a big part in my enjoyment of these cartoons. Look at my list - Lion King (come on! Elton John!!), Aladdin, brilliant songs! Little Mermaid - Alan Menken!! They make an effort to theme the music in a New Orleans style so it was always going to be tough to get me to like it. Randy Newman was a poor choice in my opinion. Basically - I tapped my feet, but I didn't leave the cinema humming, let along belting out The Circle of Life like I did as a 9 year old leaving the Lion King having seen it for the first time.

I know what you're thinking... Wrap it up you fussy, rambling fool. You're right to think that. So I will.

I enjoyed the film, but perhaps what I enjoyed more was the idea of the film and the nostalgic value. Still a decent family watch of course.

__________

3 1/2 Stars