The Princess and the Frog

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Let me start by saying: cute, cute, cute movie!

We lucked into the opportunity to see this as it does not open in theaters until later this next week. Some of the local theaters were showing a pre-screening, but you had to win tickets in advance which apparently were sponsored by the Star Telegram, Good Morning Texas and 103.7 lite fm.

My friend Jaymie won tickets and in the end could not make it… she graciously gifted them to me and my kids… and I am so glad she did. Thanks Jaymie!

Now, these preview are early, early in the morning. On top of that, you get there 30 minutes before the movie is to start in order to secure a seat as it is first come first serve. What does this mean? We needed to arrive at 9:30 am… some how on a Saturday morning we managed… as much as I wanted to sleep in on a weekend morning.

Buttery theater popcorn at 10:00 am accompanied with 32 ounces of soda, serves as the perfect breakfast. And stomach ache later. Hey, I wanted to experience it all! For the kids, you know? They want to go to 10:00 am movies everyday now.

The movie was a step back in time. No fancy smancy Pixar animation that has a way of making any cartoon character look like real life. This movie, is just plain jane, what Disney used to be like- hand drawn. Takes you back to a time when Ariel dreamed of being human and Belle fell in love with a Beast. Really, it is just what we need right now… takes us back to our roots in a time where people are searching for simplicity in their lives. I sat in the theater feeling just as much as innocent as I did when I was a child and watched Cinderella for the first time.

Speaking of Cinderella, the movie has parallels to old Disney classics. In the beginning, the leading character, Tiana, and her wealthy little friend Charlotte, who also answers to Lottie (how cure is that?) are being read a fairy tale story as Tiana’s mom arranges her latest princess dress for little Miss Lottie. A collection full of beautiful Cinderella-type princess dresses, which Tiana’s mom has been hired to make for the little gal. The beautiful overflowing bows on the dresses specifically remind you of a Cinderella collection.

Now, there is a creepy yet funny character. His name is Dr. Facilier, however, he is most commonly referred to as ‘the shadow man’ throughout the movie. He is Mr. Voodoo. You make a deal with him and you get your wish, but your soul belongs to him. Reminded me of the classic The Little Mermaid.

Well, ‘the shadow man’, while freaky, reminded me so much of The Artist Formerly Known As Prince that I could not help but laugh out loud. A taller and cartoony version, but the similarities were totally there. I think what clinched the deal for me is this voodoo man dressed in what reminded me of velvety suits, but his mid-drift was exposed the entire movie. It cracked me up. I could not find an online photo to share with you that captured this, but here is a picture I did find to share. You will have to watch the movie to experience the mid-drift scenes. Now, the shadow man is taller than The Artist Formerly Known As, but aside from that, you get the idea.

Funny looking guy, hua?

Now, my favorite character had to be Ray. Raymond, but you can call him Ray. Did I mention this movie takes place in the early 1920’s in Lew-sea-anna (Louisianan)? You will absolutely fall in love with this snaggled tooth, heavy New Orleans accent, firefly. He is so adorable… and naive. He is in love with a star in the sky. The same star Miss Lottie and Tiana spend the movie making wishes on, but Mr. Ray is convinced this shiny star is his firefly girlfriend, just way way up in the sky. I think he calls her Angelina? In the end, he proves himself to be right.

Take a look at Ray. Isn’t he adorable?

The music in this movie reminded me so much of eating at Razoos. Maybe it is because I was hungry for real food, is Razoos real food? But a trip to the bayou after watching this movie would have been real fun.

In the end, this movie is precious. The old, old, old, Godmother in this movie (who is also a voodoo spell person, but apparently in a good way) has a pet snake named JuJu. Reminded me a lot of Prince John’s pet snake Sir Hiss in the 1970’s Disney classic, Robin Hood. Remember that movie? My brothers loved this movie growing up. They were going to be real life Robin Hood and Little John heroes when they got older. Two of them work for Chesapeake now and the other one is part owner in a ranching business where he bails hay for a living, but hey, close enough. They are all happy. Robin Hood and Little John were happy. Mission accomplished.
(Little John not to be confused with the evil Prince John.)

As soon as this movie is out take your kiddos to see it. There is your traditional fairy tale storyline, but with a twist and a very important lesson. No matter what star you wish upon, hard work is a must- always. Or, your dreams will never come true.

Take yourself back a few decades- show your children a time of cartoons inspired by simplicity.

Two thumbs up here!