The Princess and the Frog

The Princess and the Frog 

Released 2009

Directed By Ron Clements and Jon Musker

Music By Randy Newman

Happy March Madness/St Patrick's Day/Mardi Gras blog land!!!  I just love the month of March as it means the end of winter (and let's face it this has been one LOOOOOOOOOOOONG winter) and time to start celebrating the earth waking up and becoming green again.  For you sports fans you have March Madness to look forward to and St. Patrick's Day for a reason to party (like we really need much of one right?)  And this year Fat Tuesday happened to fall early in the month of March as well.  And you all know, where there's Fat Tuesday ... There's MARDI GRAS!!!  The party in New Orleans of outlandish proportions full of debauchery before the lenten season.  But then again ... Isn't that the purpose of Mardi Gras?  One last day of frivolity before going into the season of fasting and reflection.  

Years ago when I was in grade school, my family's business had the opportunity to attend a convention in New Orleans around the time of Mardi Gras.  It was an amazing experience ... Waking up during the morning and seeing the mist on the river, experiencing jazz, amazing food ... and even met a mule named Aretha Franklin!!  The people of New Orleans lived life with flair and gusto that is unrivaled to this day and for anyone who has an appreciation for good food, good music and a good time be sure to carve out a vacation for New Orleans.  You won't regret the choice! 

In honor of Mardi Gras this month's film is The Princess and the Frog.  That's right everyone ... the classic story of a princess who finds a frog begging for a kiss ... But with a little twist and new location.  Taking place in New Orleans during Jazz Age, we follow the adventures of Tiana and Naveen through the Louisiana Bayou and into the heart of New Orleans during Mardi Gras.  What I love most about this movie is how the Disney crew was able to capture the culture of New Orleans.  From the amazing dishes of Tiana's cooking to Big Daddy La Bouff being the king of Mardi Gras, Dr. Facilier and Mama Odie's hoodoo and voodoo, to the music of Randy Newman capturing all the different types of Jazz.  In the audio commentary of the movie the directors talk about spending several months in New Orleans to learn and capture the culture.  Much like previous films done by Disney, the voice acting was not overlooked.  Tiana is voiced by the very talented Anika Noni-Rose.  My first experience with Anika as an actress came from the movie Dreamgirls as she played the role of Lorelle.  The heartbreaker and happy-go-lucky Prince Naveen voiced by Bruno Campos, who has enjoyed a career in TV dramas such as The Closer and ER.  Dr. Facilier and future lackey Lawrence were voiced by Keith David and Peter Bartlett.  John Goodman gave life to Big Daddy La Bouff and Oprah Winfrey lent her vocal talents to Tianna’s mother Eudora.  There’s even a small “guest spot” for celebrity chef and restaurateur Emeril Lagasse!!  

The music of Princess and the Frog also gives us a taste of New Orleans.  Randy Newman’s score and songs give us a flavor of the many types of Jazz and Americana music.  Mama Odie gives us a taste of gospel with her song “Dig A Little Deeper” while Ray shows his Cajun roots with “Going Down The Bayou.”  Louis the Gator homages Louis Armstrong with his stylings on the trumpet and we’re introduced to Prince Naveen during a ragtime jam in the streets of the French Quarter.  We even get a visual styling of Jazz during the party scene where different party-goers showcase the dances of the time like the Charleston and Lindy Hop.  One remarkable feat of the cast was their ability to not only voice the characters but also sing them as well.  This hadn’t been done since Beauty and the Beast in 1991. 

Princess and the Frog.  I confess I’m unsure where to start with this film … The film takes me back to the movie-musicals like Beauty and the Beast, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Aladdin, where there was little to no computer animation.  By blending those elements with a new twist on a classic children’s fairytale, Disney has managed to stay current while not forgetting its origins. 

In the audio commentary, Jon Musker comments on the “two obsessions” in New Orleans, food and music.  These two elements weaving throughout the film are what caught me as well.  My musical life started at the age of 9 when I started taking piano lessons and singing with a local children’s chorus, which then led me into playing the organ and taking up singing lessons and all the way to getting a Masters in Music.  Growing up family gatherings at my house involved the parents, grandparents, great grandparents at times, cousins, aunts, uncles, spouses … Needless to say they were big affairs.  Christmas, Easter, birthdays, weddings, even funerals were normally celebrated with food.  Thanksgiving always had at least two turkeys and so many sides that it took two or three long banquet tables to place everything.  Food became a means of celebrating and sharing with family, even some of whom we may not have seen for years.  In the movie, Tiana’s father tells a very young Tiana “You know the thing about good food? It brings folks together from all walks of life. It warms them right up and it puts little smiles on their faces” and that’s what we did; fellowship through food.  Food brings together Louis, Naveen, Ray, and Tiana and even helps melt a little of the ice between the two main characters.  I noticed that it seemed as though we had both elements characterized in the main characters, Tiana hardworking, passionate and dedicated to her cooking and her dream of owning her own restaurant while Naveen, fun-loving, playboy, and frivolous wanting nothing more than to play and enjoy jazz music.  The Yin/Yang of life in our two main characters, which brings us to the finals thoughts of this blog …

Princess and the Frog: A modern, Jazzy twist on a classic tale.  Not only do we see a new twist on a Disney film, but a blend old techniques and new takes on characters to create a fun family film. 

Perfect For: The dreamer that shies away from hard work … Or the hard worker that shies away from dreaming.  The princess in your life that knows the value of working towards your dream.

Most likely character you’ll see in the parks:  Being inducted into the pantheon of princesses, you’ll most likely run into Tiana herself ready to share her secret for some amazing beignets.

Well kids … another month blog has passed.  I am hoping you all will have a safe March and that spring is just around the corner for you (I know I’m ready for better weather!)  Next month’s film: Hunchback of Notre Dame.  And now it’s time for me to invest in the two newest films for my collection: Saving Mr. Banks and Frozen. They are now released on DVD and I can’t WAIT to get my copies!!!

Have a Magical Day all!! – Pat A