Küss den Frosch (The Princess and the Frog)
U.S.A. 2009

Opening 10 Dec 2009

Directed by: Ron Clements
Writing credits: Ron Clements, Rob Edwards, Greg Erb, Don Hall, John Musker
Principal actors: Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jennifer Cody

What can be positive in the times of a recession? Well for one thing Walt Disney Productions has taken an opportunity and has jumped back in time by producing a classic film using the old hand-painted technique from a bygone era and created an animation film The Princess and the Frog. It is unbelievable how many people worked on this film, which can be seen in the credits at the end of this film.

This classic fairy tale travels deep into the Bayou and to the city of New Orleans. Charlotte, who is the daughter of the richest man in town, dreams of nothing but meeting Prince Charming. Not only does she read Prince Charming fairy tales, but she has thousands of ready-made Princess dresses for that very special occasion. Her best friend Tiana, who is the dressmaker’s daughter, lives on the poor side of town and her dream, which is her father’s dream, makes her a hard worker. The dream is to convert an old sugar mill into “Tiana’s jazz café.” Meanwhile the charismatic Prince Naveen hops off a steam liner with his servant and immediately wins the heart of every maiden in town. He has frittered his money away and needs a new wife to support his extravagant lifestyle. Upon meeting Dr. Facilier, the voodoo doctor who can make dreams come true, Prince Naveen and his servant jump for this wonderful chance. Before long Prince Naveen becomes a frog and thinks he need a kiss from a princess, but unfortunately Tiana becomes a frog as well.

This film really dives into the past by exploring the color palette of the thirties and great jazz music. The characters range from being loveable, frightening, or hysterical, and it is just the kind of animation that we expect from Walt Disney Productions. There is something in this film for the whole family, so don’t miss it!! (Shelly Schoeneshoefer)