Disney jazzes up a classic fairy tale

The Princess and the Frog
Directed by: Ron Clements, John Musker
Starring: Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David
Released: December 11, 2009
3.5/4

It’s been a while since Disney produced a decent animated movie, but with The Princess and the Frog, fans are finally given another classic to put on the shelf alongside the likes of Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid.

The story takes place in New Orleans and follows the ambitious Tiana, a hardworking waitress who works two jobs with the hopes of one day fulfilling her dreams of having her own restaurant.

Her plans are disrupted when she is turned into frog by Prince Naveen who had in turn been tricked by the voodoo villain Dr. Facilier into becoming a frog himself.

After teaming up with a trumpet-playing alligator and a love-sick firefly, Tiana and Naveen search for a way to become human again.

The charming characters and clever writing make up for the fact that the conclusion feels a little rushed and the songs are not quite as memorable as those found in the true Disney classics.

The Princess and the Frog has all the fairy tale you need, with just the right amount of sappy romance as well as a good deal of adventure and even a bit of creepy thrown in.

After the disappointment Enchanted brought to the Disney princess department, The Princess and the Frog was a thoroughly entertaining surprise.