. . .I realized that I am not a child anymore. So, I was a little annoyed by the children in the theater. LOL. Did they not get the message that this particular movie-going experience was about me re-living my childhood. Thank you!
I did, however, enjoy the film.
What I Liked During the Movie?
- I really loved Princess Tiana - the animated figure and Anika Noni Rose's voice. I credit Rose's voice for keeping me emotionally interested when the beautiful Tiana morphs into a green amphibian.
- I loved hearing Terrence Howard's smooth vocals as the dad. I found out later that Oprah voiced the mother. Kudos Oprah I did not recognize Miss Sophia while watching the film.
- Great music, jazz, and color! I love color. There is beautiful scenery and something other than pink decor of Cinderella. Tiana dons amazing blues and rich greens that complement her brown skin.
What Disappointed me?
- The princess is a freakin' frog! My hidden racism detector was approaching Danger Danger! status before I hit the OFF button. I mean, it is a movie for kids and not hypersensitive adults. I must say, I say the movie on Christmas day. I was the only AA in the theater and the children there LOVED this movie. At the end of the movie, this little girl started clapping and yelling YEAH!!!! It was the cutest thing.
- The animation seemed low-budget in parts. I am not the only one to notice this. A.O. Scott describes most of TPATF as looking like Disney's straight to DVD features as opposed to it's animated classics. It alternates between great colorful animation to something akin to Woody Wood Pecker sketches. I doubt the kids noticed but I did.
What I appreciate after the fact?
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The "Almost There" song sequence - The art style changes to a stylized "art-deco" as Tiana sings about getting closer to her dream. I found out later that this art style is a tribute to Aaron Douglas, the most famous artist during the Harlem Renaissance. Remember the episode of the Cosby Show in which Claire wants this painting. They go to the auction and spend $11,000 on it. That one is by Aaron Douglass.
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Anika Noni Rose's voice - Granted she was over shadowed in Dreamgirls by Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson but she has a beautiful voice. She, ironically, beat out both Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, Tyra Banks, and Alicia Keys for the role of Tiana.
- Tiana, unlike princesses before her, doesn't just wish on a star - she works hard! That's a great message for any child to see.
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Overall, it's a must-see. I happen to like 2-D cartoons. The Princess and the Frog is a throwback to that era. Don't listen to those looking for hidden racism in a cartoon. Most of those naysayers have NOT SEEN the movie. My advice is to let go and let your inner child imagine.
What are your thoughts?
