Disney’s 2009 animated musical adventure ‘The Princess and the Frog’ is a wonderful film that has delighted children and adults alike for over a decade.
The movie follows the story of Tiana, an ambitious young woman living in New Orleans who dreams of owning her own restaurant.
After she kisses a cursed frog prince, Tiana finds herself on an unexpected adventure that teaches her important lessons about friendship, family, and following your dreams.
With its memorable characters, catchy songs, and inspiring message, ‘The Princess and the Frog’ is a beloved classic that continues to capture hearts.
Through its unique retelling of classic fairy tales and its celebration of African-American culture, this Disney film is sure to entertain viewers of all ages.
Overview Of The Movie
The Princess and the Frog is an animated musical fantasy released in 2009. It follows the story of Tiana, a hardworking young woman from New Orleans who dreams of owning her own restaurant.
When she meets a mysterious prince who has been transformed into a frog, they embark on an adventure to break his curse and find true love.
The movie features some of the original Disney classic melodies such as “When We’re Human,” “Almost There,” and “Dig A Little Deeper” as well as new music written specifically for this film.
The vibrant visuals, lovable characters and captivating story make it a perfect choice for all ages.
The Princess and the Frog brings together elements of comedy, romance and hope that will entertain audiences everywhere.
Characters And Voice Cast
Tiana is the main protagonist of ‘The Princess and the Frog’. She is voiced by Anika Noni Rose. Prince Naveen is the other main character and is voiced by Bruno Campos. Dr. Facilier is the main antagonist, voiced by Keith David. Louis is a trumpet-playing alligator, voiced by Michael-Leon Wooley. Ray is a Cajun firefly and is voiced by Jim Cummings. John Goodman voices the character of Big Daddy. Oprah Winfrey voices Eudora, Tiana’s mother. Jim Cummings also voices the character of Lawrence, Prince Naveen’s valet. Jenifer Lewis voices the character of Mama Odie. Lastly, Bruno Campos voices Prince Naveen’s friend and adviser, Benjamin.
Tiana
Tiana is the main character of the movie and is voiced by Anika Noni Rose.
She’s a hard-working, independent woman who dreams of owning her own restaurant.
With the help of her best friend Charlotte, she sets out to make her dream come true.
Along the way, she meets up with a talking frog and embarks on an adventure that leads her down an unexpected path—becoming a princess!
Tiana faces challenges and discovers that real strength comes from within, proving that anyone can make their dreams come true if they never give up.
And in the end, Tiana gets both her restaurant and her prince!
Prince Naveen
Prince Naveen is voiced by Bruno Campos and is the other main character in the movie. He’s a charming, carefree prince with a love of music.
Naveen was tricked into being turned into a frog, and it’s up to him and Tiana to break the spell. He also learns valuable lessons during his journey, which help him become the person he always wanted to be.
Though at times he can be carefree and selfish, Naveen eventually shows that he has what it takes to be a true hero. In the end, he gets his happily ever after with Tiana!
Dr. Facilier
Dr. Facilier is voiced by Keith David and serves as the main antagonist of the movie. He’s a powerful shadow man with a talent for magic, who uses this to try and take over New Orleans.
He also has his own voodoo spirits, which he uses to do his bidding. Dr. Facilier schemes to use Naveen’s transformation into a frog to gain access to great wealth and power.
Despite his best efforts though, he fails in the end as Tiana and Naveen break the spell, leaving him defeated.
Louis
Next up we have the alligator Louis, voiced by Michael-Leon Wooley. He’s a trumpet-playing alligator who befriends Naveen and Tiana on their journey to break the curse.
Despite being an alligator, he has a passionate love for jazz music and dreams of becoming a famous musician in New Orleans. He helps them out in various ways such as giving advice or making sure they stay safe from Dr. Facilier’s schemes.
He even joins them at the end of the movie when they help save the kingdom from Facilier’s clutches. Louis is a lovable character that adds humor and heart to the story.
Music And Soundtrack
The music of The Princess and the Frog is a collection of jazz, blues, and zydeco sounds that give the movie its own unique flavor. Composer Randy Newman wrote the score, which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2010.
The soundtrack also includes some classic songs from the 1920s and 1930s, as well as two original songs written by Newman. The two original songs are ‘Almost There’ and ‘Down in New Orleans’. These two songs were produced by Walt Disney Records and feature vocals from Anika Noni Rose and Dr. John.
The soundtrack received critical acclaim for its ability to capture the spirit of New Orleans while still being accessible to all audiences. It’s a tribute to the city’s history and culture, while also being lighthearted and fun.
Reception And Legacy
The music and soundtrack of The Princess and the Frog were critically acclaimed for their jazzy, bluesy feel. Fans of Disney movies enjoyed the distinct flavor of the film’s songs which paid homage to its New Orleans setting.
Reception of The Princess and the Frog was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising it for being a return to classic Disney storytelling. It grossed more than $267 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing Disney movies in recent years. Critics pointed out its beautiful visuals and strong voice performances as well.
The movie has left an enduring legacy since its release. It marked the return of traditional 2D animation to Disney films, which had previously transitioned to CGI animation. It also set a precedent for having diverse characters and stories in animated films, paving the way for other projects such as Moana (2016) and Frozen (2013).
Additionally, it inspired viewers with its message of perseverance in spite of adversity.
Comparisons To Other Adaptations
This Disney adaptation of the classic fairy tale, The Princess and the Frog, is a charming animated film with a unique take. By setting the story in New Orleans during the Jazz Age, directors Ron Clements and John Musker were able to bring a fresh interpretation to the traditional tale.
The 2009 version of The Princess and the Frog stands out from other adaptations by giving greater attention to detail. For example, this version focuses more on Tiana’s relationship with her parents and her career aspirations rather than just her love life.
Additionally, the movie draws upon New Orleans culture throughout its soundtrack, animation style, and overall narrative arc.
Overall, The Princess and the Frog offers an entertaining take on the classic fairy tale that is full of vivid imagery and lively music. It is certainly worth watching for its delightful characters, beautiful animation style, and cleverly woven plot elements that make this movie stand out from other versions of this beloved story.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Princess and the Frog (2009) is a classic animated retelling of an old fairytale. It was met with both critical and commercial success, as well as being remembered for its unique spin on the traditional story.
Its unique voice cast brought the characters to life in a new way, and its soundtrack was praised for its soulful vibes and creative melodies.
Overall, this adaptation of The Princess and the Frog stands out for its memorable characters, music, and visuals. While it doesn’t quite reach the level of Disney’s classics like The Lion King or Snow White, I think it still has plenty of charm that makes it worth watching – even more than a decade later.
The Princess and the Frog (2009) will no doubt remain a beloved part of Disney’s history for years to come. From its vibrant cast of characters to its incredible score, there’s something special about this movie that has made it one of my personal favorites.