His Movie Reviews

It’s been a while seen I have seen a true Disney animated feature.  Granted Princess and the Frog is their first 2D animated film since Home on the Range and that was 5 years ago.  But I know I haven’t seen that movie and the last one i watched before that was probably Lilo and Stitch. So it was nice to hit the theaters and catch some good ole Disney magic. It seemed like the 2D animated feature was dead, gone without any of us fans ever saying goodbyes.  Pixar has made an explosion with Toy Story and ever since then its been a landslide of 3D animation. Everyone these days has been caught up by the 3D bandwagon with Shrek, Ice Age, and the slew of Pixar movies out there.  And while Pixar does amazing work, I still think Disney has a place in the animated feature world. There is really nothing like the Disney classics.  I remember watching Snow White, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Lady and the Tramp, and Peter Pan millions of times growing up and being excited each and every time.  There truly is magic and imagination in those old films and I think Princess and the Frog brings a bit of that magic back while carrying on the tradition of 2D animation.  The strongest aspect of the film is truly the way they hearken to the old films and really try to fit this one in.  There are some modern advancements that can be seen with computer effects and digital drawing that bring the film into the 21st century.  But the way the characters are drawn and the story are definitely stamped with the Disney brand – which I for one am completely fine with. While I don’t think this is the strongest movie in Disney’s line-up, I think it is defintely worth a watch. There are some fun characters and the story gives a more truthful feeling to the ‘wishing upon a star.’  The idea that it is great to wish upon a star but you need to back it up with hard work and determination is fresh and truthful. This gives the main character Tiana a fresh look for a ‘Disney princess.’ She is an independent business woman looking to make her mark in the world.  She cares not for any Prince Charming or love for that matter.  Of course when you’re not looking, love tends to find you.

It’s funny, maybe being a dude, and older then probably the average targeted audience, I was actually more drawn to the bad guy of the film.  With his slick moves and voodoo magic he is, well, awesome.  Unfortunately he’s bad and mean.  In fact, with this evil minions, there are some parts of the film that I thought were kind of scary for children.  But those moments are quickly pushed from your mind when you meet Ray, a local firefly in the bayou of Louisiana played by Jim Cummings.  This little dude packs a punch of laughter and is definitely the highlight of the film.

All in all, it’s good to see that Disney is back in the 2D game, and let’s hope that they stay there.  This has always been their area, their expertise.  If you enjoy watching a classic Disney film with the story, animation, dancing, and singing, then you should definitely check this one out. Welcome back Disney.

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