The Princess and The Frog Review: Almost There

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The 2000’s is certainly an era I am nostalgic for as that is the decade I was born into. In terms of Disney films, I know that this is not considered one of Disney’s better decades. After the end of the “Renaissance”, the studio took some risks in the 2000s and they had different levels of success. Their only hit that managed to be talked about in the mix of their other blockbusters would be Lilo and Stitch, which would be my favourite as well.

Emperor’s New Groove,  Treasure Planet, and Atlantis the Lost Empire have become cult classics. Dinosaur, Chicken Little, Bolt ,and Meet the Robinson’s were Disney’s first attempt to do 3D animation and you can tell they hadn’t quite figured out what PIXAR had been able to do with their run of hits.

Home on the Range, Brother Bear, Fantasia 2000 and Winnie the Pooh are often forgotten. However, there is one film from this era that I feel is forgotten. It was a film that from our modern perspective it is obvious how impactful it was that film is 2009sThe Princess and the Frog.

Princess and the Frog came out towards the end of this decade for Disney and after a string of films that couldn’t reach the heights of old Disney turned to their old reliable storytelling method and that is to modernize fairy tales. They hadn’t made a princess film since 1998 with Mulan.  The train of thought is pretty obvious.  They were smashing records in the 90s so make a movie that is in the same style as those films and the success should come as well.

If you have read my The Little Mermaid review, you would know that I love that era of Disney, so this film hits all the right notes for me.  It is also one of the last 2D animated films from Disney, so I have a fondness for my film. It is also the first film in this series that I am doing that I saw in theatres. I remember going to see this in theatres and then purchasing the Blue-Ray for me and my family.

In many ways, The Princess and the Frog feels like a throwback to the Disney Renaissance era. With directors Ron Clements and John Musker at the helm—two veterans of classics like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin—the film carries the same spirit of innovation and quality that made those movies so memorable. It blends traditional storytelling with modern sensibilities, creating a movie that feels timeless. It’s a perfect fusion of past and present, with the heart and soul of Disney’s golden age of animation, but with a fresh and modern twist.

The music, composed by Randy Newman, is another highlight. It’s catchy, joyful, and perfectly complements the story. The soundtrack is full of jazz and blues, evoking the musical heartbeat of New Orleans. Songs like “Almost There” and “Down in New Orleans” are infectious, each one adding a layer of character to the story. Tiana’s “Almost There” is a standout, a powerful anthem of perseverance that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

While The Princess and the Frog doesn’t have a villain song as iconic as Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid, Dr. Facilier’s “Friends on the Other Side” is an unforgettable number, full of energy and dread, capturing the essence of the movie’s darker moments.

Visually, The Princess and the Frog is an absolute treat. As one of Disney’s last 2D animated films, it showcases the beauty of traditional animation in all its glory. The art style perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of New Orleans, from the lively street scenes to the lush bayous. The colors pop, and the detailed backgrounds immerse the viewer in the city’s rich culture.

The animation is fluid, and there’s a particular attention to detail in the movements of the characters, especially Tiana. Her facial expressions and the way she interacts with her environment are done with such care and nuance that it’s easy to forget you’re watching a cartoon.

But what truly makes this film stand out is how it captures the soul of New Orleans. The setting is as much a character in the story as Tiana or Naveen. From the music and food to the people and architecture, the film paints a rich, diverse, and vibrant picture of the city.

It’s not just a backdrop—it’s an integral part of the story, reflecting the cultural heritage that makes New Orleans so unique. You can feel the energy and warmth of the city in every frame, and it adds an authenticity to the film that makes it feel like a celebration of not just the place, but the people who inhabit it.

This is the aspect that I connect with modern Disney.  The aspect really embracing a culture is something that you see more in modern Disney than ever.  In the 90s there was Mulan and in the early 2000s there was Brother Bear. However, after The Princess and the Frog you see more attempts to capture the culture when they are making a film based on a region or a pre-existing story. 

We see it in films like Frozen, Encanto, and Moana where they are really trying to represent a culture and a people through the words they use, their beliefs and their traditions. Even in a film like Zootopia, culture is quite important in the world they are establishing.

All in all, The Princess and the Frog is a triumph. It’s a film that is charming, inspiring, and visually stunning, and it will continue to be a beloved classic for generations to come. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a watch—you’ll find that the magic of Disney is alive and well, and it’s almost there waiting for you.