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Catholic movie review - The Princess and the Frog |
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By John Mulderig - Catholic News Service
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Tuesday, 24 November 2009 |
"The Frog Prince," a fairy tale that was already generations old when the Brothers Grimm committed it to writing in the early 19th century, gets a clever new twist in "The Princess and the Frog" (Disney). But this snappy variation on an ancient theme -- any more specific description would constitute a spoiler -- is just one inviting element in what is, overall, an enchanting animated musical.
Eschewing computer technology in favor of traditional hand-drawn artwork, directors and co-writers (with Rob Edwards) John Musker and Ron Clements skillfully conjure up the New Orleans of the 1920s, complete with brassy jazz, Mississippi steamboats and a partially authentic, though sanitized, version of the social and racial divisions of the time.
At once subject to those divides, yet defying them -- probably to an
unrealistic degree -- are best-friends-since-childhood Charlotte (voice
of Jennifer Cody) and Tiana (voice of Anika Noni Rose).
Charlotte, the spoiled, headstrong but nonetheless endearing daughter
of wealthy white patriarch Big Daddy (voice of John Goodman) can afford
dreams of splendor, and has long had her heart set on marrying a
prince. African-American Tiana -- whose mother Eudora (voice of Oprah
Winfrey) is Charlotte's seamstress -- has the more modest goal of
fulfilling late father James' (voice of Terrence Howard) wish to open
an elegant waterfront restaurant.
Through diligent drudgery, Tiana has come close to earning the
requisite money, and Charlotte's cherished desire looks likely to be
fulfilled as well when handsome, jazz-addicted playboy Prince Naveen of
Maldonia (voice of Bruno Campos) arrives in the Crescent City.
But a shape-shifting spell cast by scheming voodoo sorcerer Dr.
Facilier (voice of Keith David) complicates all their lives, leading to
a journey to the bayou and the remote lair of its 179-year-old queen,
Mama Odie (voice of Jenifer Lewis), whose good magic may undo the hex.
Along the way, we meet two more vivid characters: sweet-natured,
trumpet-playing alligator Louis (voice of Michael-Leon Wooley) and
gap-toothed Cajun firefly Ray (voice of Jim Cummings).
As this lavish romance unfolds, enhanced by bouncy tunes from veteran
pop star and film composer Randy Newman, hard-working Tiana and lazy,
carefree Naveen -- initially at Hepburn-Tracy loggerheads -- eventually
come to exercise a positive, balancing influence on each other. And the
script, which emphasizes the value of love over material wealth
throughout, reaches a resolution highlighting the transformative power
of marital commitment.
Though images of fire-breathing masks and evil sprites may scare some
tots, "The Princess and the Frog" otherwise provides quality
entertainment for all ages.
The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I --
general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is
G -- general audiences. All ages admitted.
Mulderig is on the staff of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of
the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. More reviews are available
online at www.usccb.org/movies.
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