The Princess and the Frog

[Zavi]

It'd be difficult to run all the way down to CA on this end of the country, of course. XD But a gaggle of Disney-loving teenagers will join the NH kiddies on December 11th, I assure you.

And Dr. Facilier is there, too! My face lit up when I saw him on the boat. But yeah, got to agree with you on Naveen's outfit.

[DanTheMan]

I just saw that trailer on Page 1, and I have to say, I was excited seeing all the old classic titles I grew up with, however, after that, when I saw the actual PATF movie, I didn't care as much. I heard that this was made by the people who worked on TLM. Is that true? If so, then they need to step it up. If you're going to use the old movies in the beginning of a trailer, then it better deliver, because it would be an insult to the old movies, at least in my opinion.

[Zavi]

I grew up with, however, after that, when I saw the actual PATF movie

Actual movie? Already? Or do you mean another trailer? I'm not following.

Yes, Ron and John are working on it. I don't think it'll be as spectacular as the movies that it follows, but I'm going to try to avoid comparing it to them as much as possible. It's in its own era and Disney is still getting back on its feet with these things.

Has anyone been seeing movie posters abound? My friends and I whipped out our cell phones upon going to the theaters on Friday; there was a cardboard cutout in the lobby and we were all excited. I have some pictures if anyone wants to see. It's very purdy and the annoying firefly is crammed down at the bottom of the poster, with Dr. Facilier looming at the top. (:

[Coral]

I'd love to see it. Didn't even think to go down to the theater when I was in the mall the other day.

I've been looking for the dolls every time I go in Walmart and the one here doesn't have them.

[DanTheMan]

Sorry Zavi, I meant the trailer. I usually call the trailers 'the movie', because even though it's a trailer, that is a part of the movie. You're right, it's in it's own era, but that's why it should be better. Technology is so much more advanced than it was in the late 80's/early 90's, yet animated movies today can't live up to the movies of then. It's not just not to refer to my childhood, I can look back at the movies from than and be amazed, yet I can't for a lot of them today. Disney should be taking steps forward, not steps backward.

I've seen some commercials on TV now, but no movie posters yet. Then again, I usually don't go to the movies, on account of I don't feel like going alone.

[Zavi]

I haven't seen any Tiana dolls myself, although I've been told they're at Target, at least.

With new technology comes people being dependent on it, but once studios find a balance, movies turn out for the better. The TLM era had the technology to computer-generate those bubbles, but instead directors insisted they be hand-drawn. There were some digital effects (the ship, some of the fish, the CAPS wedding scene, etc.) but they were used sparingly. Whereas movies like Spirit used it so much that it took away from the otherwise stunning visuals. The lackluster story didn't help, either. Nothing against that movie, but TLM focused on story AND visuals.

Aaaanyway, if they use technology to enhance the movie (which it looks like they're doing, considering the lighting) rather than for technology's sake, things should be okay.

Movie Cutout
Movie Cutout again

[vidia]

so i saw it on Sunday at the Ultimate Disney Experience in Walt Disney Studios. [even saw our favorite lil mermaid there XD]

you guys

are gonna

LOVE IT.

[Coral]

I finally saw a Tiana doll in Walmart the other day!

I had planned to go see this opening weekend, but I don't think I'll be able to since we're between jobs again and he doesn't start his next one for another 6 weeks.

[Zavi]

Ohhh, my friends and I are counting down the days. The showtimes aren't up at our local theaters and we're anxious to see when we'll be able to go on Friday. There's supposed to be a snowstorm tomorrow morning, but other than that it should be clear and we're all excited to go! Don't spoil, but what did you like best about it? The animation, music, story?

We're gonna be a pack of four seventeen-eighteens among lots of little kids and their mothers, and I'll bet we'll be the most excited ones in the theater. (:

[vidia]

man that's hard to choose LOL er...seriously, just all of it. the animation was wonderful, the music was fantastic, and the story was amazing XD LOL ultra corny but true. hope you and your friends have fun, Zavi!

LOL don't worry, i felt a bit out of place amongst all the other youngsters when i went.

especially because i was wearing an Ariel wig X3

but it was all just...wowza =D!

[Zavi]

Oh. My. God.

I expected this movie to be good, but not amazing, since Disney was just getting back on their feet with 2D animation.

You know what? Frog blew me out of the water (no pun intended). I was so impressed with the depth of the characters--there wasn't one that I hated by the end of the movie--heck, I stopped despising Ray five minutes after he showed up!

My Mulan-obsessed friend and I finally have a prince we can agree upon. Naveen kicks major prince butt and he's up there with Shang and Eric.

Soooo many Disney movie references! Loved all the TLM ones, of course, and I had an Aladdin junkie on one side of me so it was fun for her too.

I hope I get to see it, like, ten times while it's in theaters.

ETA: I swear every single little girl who walked into the theater had a TLM shirt on. I was very jealous.

[Coral]

My sis and I are planning to go see it the day after Christmas. Glad to hear it's getting such rave reviews!

[Zavi]

Have fun! You'll love it. It isn't my favorite Disney film (but you have to be pretty darn good to beat TLM) but I absolutely loved it.

My Aladdin-junkie of a friend directed me to this hilarious parody:


Warning: Slight spoilers.

[Coral]

If it has some spoilers in it I'll wait till after I see the movie to watch it. Going Saturday!!!!

[Coral]

I loved it!!!! It was wonderful. The Disney magic is still alive and well.

Ray didn't bug me as much as I was afraid he would. His saving grace was the Shreveport joke. Best joke of the whole movie! They really did their research to know about that one. It's not well known outside the state. It's too bad Ron, John and the writers can't watch the movie down here and hear the laughter over it.

The inside of St. Louis Cathedral at the end was nicely done too. That's almost exactly what it looks like, ceiling and all.

I need the soundtrack.

[fridamoonbeam]

LOL, meant to post a review for the movie xD

Naveen was a was like a slightly more goofy version of Yero from the musical of Wicked, not so much the book Yero though, xD. He was awesome and takes a high spot on my Disney men list... Of course, looking like Eric with Aladdin's teeth, skin and eye color don't hurt

Charlotte! I can't help but love her. Such a great move on the film makers part to not make her the stereo typical b*tch blonde to the "poor heroine". She IS spoiled and spazzy, but for the most part she is really sweet to the people she cares about and would do things for them without a second thought, really.

Tiana- fantastic. A hard worker, and very smart at that. She's ambitious like Ariel, and has a dream but she's more practical and grounded, which I appreciate. However, they didn't act like in the movie, which drives me crazy with some of the other Disney girls, which is "Oh, isn't she the most wonderful thing ever!" No, they point out her flaws like Naveen's. Also, I love her devotion to her father.

Tiana and Naveen, are one of my favorite couples now too. They have the same dynamic as Ariel and Eric, Belle and Beast, Meg and Hercules (Yes, i ship them ) where ther differences is what ends up being their relationship strengths and sort of rescue each other like the more modern ones. Another wonderful touch is that they don't fall in love easily. No magic dance where "poof! They're in love!" it takes a little time.

The animation was stunning, and the voices were perfectly matched, but I agree with Meg, I wasn't in love with the songs, like some of the other movies. And one minor detail that I won't spoil for others until they see the movie

[Coral]

The songs didn't blow me away like Mermaid, but it captured the flavor of New Orleans and Louisiana beautifully. It's the music of my cultural heritage and did a good job of portraying the diversity that is Louisiana.

[Zavi]

My friend had to drive me home today since I couldn't bring the car to school. She has the soundtrack, and we sang along with it on the way home like we'd heard the songs as kids! XD

Did any of the references to other Disney movies stick out at you guys? Any favorites? I think people in the theater started wondering why there was so much laughter when a *certain* float appeared in the parade scene.

[Coral]

I only caught the TLM references. I'll watch for others next time I see it, which probably won't be till it's out on DVD.

[WickedElphie]

The music isn't quite as catchy as Menken's best stuff, but is very good. My faves are probably "Friends on the Other Side" (Keith David!) and "Belle Evangaline".

And yes Naveen's adorable.

Refs: Besides the TLM float and emrmaid costume I caught Carpet being waved. And apparently there were going to be Aladdin and Hercules floats too but they were cut out.