Disney's The Princess and The Frog Film Review

                                                 The Princess and the Frog

                  There have been many Disney princesses over the years; Mulan, Belle, Ariel, and Cinderella to name a few. But in 2009, Disney introduced us to a new one: Tiana. She’s an independent woman with a huge dream: to open her own restaurant. However, after working hard for so many years, Tiana is rejected by two realtors. But her world is turned upside down when one kiss with a frog transforms her into one.

                  Positive Elements:  Tiana is a hardworking princess who refuses to take no for an answer. Even when people think she’s crazy or too uptight, Tiana holds true to her values. After being turned into a frog, she makes the most of it. Her cooking skills impress Prince Naveen and others. When given an opportunity to have her dream, Tiana balks, knowing that riches and getting everything you desire isn’t what’s most important. Her dream comes true later in the film. Tiana’s parents are supportive and a tight knit family unit.

                  Prince Naveen is a spoiled guy and often doesn’t care about responsibility. Spending time with Tiana slowly opens his eyes, helping him see that riches can’t fill the empty hole inside. He also helps her have a little fun. As Naveen falls for Tiana, his mindset changes for the better.

                  Charlotte (Tiana’s best friend) is a bubbly outspoken person with a huge heart. Though rich, she never rubs it in anyone’s face. Charlotte sacrifices her dreams when noticing Naveen’s feelings for Tiana.

                  Spiritual Content: This section is a huge reason why The Princess and the Frog mostly falters. Dr. Facilier (Shadow Man) engages in occult practices such as tarot readings, voodoo, and predicting the future. He has “friends on the other side” which he communicates with on multiple occasions. One particular instance has Shadow Man promising them the entire city of New Orleans in exchange to bring the “froggy prince” back to him. He even displays Tiana’s dream in front of her as a ruse for the prince’s blood.

                  Mama Odie is a voodoo priestess and uses magic to see people from far away. One song has a subtle gospel melody and lyrics. Shadow man’s “friends” appear in ghostly black forms and drag some characters away. Odie uses her magical staff to annihilate them. Prince Naveen’s blood transforms Lawrence (his butler) into him. Charlotte mentions she’s “sweating like a sinner in church.”

                  Sensual Content: Naveen is a ladies’ man which he uses as an advantage. Plenty of women (including Charlotte) cheer and swoon in his presence. Naveen flirts incessantly with Tiana during their time as frogs. He suggests to her that they get “comfortable,” which she immediately shuts down by thwacking him (offscreen). Their tongues are tied together at one point which leads Ray (a firefly) to comment “Looks like you and your boyfriend got carried away.” Naveen and Tiana share a slow, romantic dance.

                  Naveen falls for Tiana in a sincere way as the film goes on. They get married and kiss a few times. Several female characters wear dresses that reveal skin/cleavage. Ray quips that one of his kind “flashed the neighbors.”

                  Violence: Characters are thwacked, pushed, shoved and (on a couple occasions) dragged. Shadow Man is dragged to hell after his “friends on the other side” realize the debt isn’t paid in full. A snake bites Naveen to draw blood. Shadow figures smile/laugh wickedly at times too. Naveen (as a frog) is hit with a book twice.

                  Language: Some name-calling words appear in the dialogue.

                  Drugs/Alcohol: Some events feature characters imbibing alcoholic beverages and champagne.

                  Other Negative Elements: Frog mucus makes an appearance a couple times. As alluded to above, Naveen is (at first) a spoiled prince who doesn’t care about hard work. Lawrence is persuaded to carry on a foolish scheme to gain money (though he’s later arrested for it). Fairy tale themes (wishing on a star, happily ever after) are given a nod in the film.

                  Conclusion: The Princess and the Frog is a delightful, animated movie that brings to mind some Disney classics such as Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. The story, while similar, takes a different turn. While other princesses wish for a prince to sweep them off their feet, Tiana is a hardworking woman who doesn’t give up. She does her very best to provide help for others and thinks of them first. The music is soaring, with many of the songs sure to have you singing along.

                  Alas, this film comes with one major caveat: a pagan worldview. As such, the murky spirituality will most likely drive viewers away. Shadow Man and his “friends” are intimidating to the point of producing “nightmare fuel” for young/sensitive viewers. This conundrum should be approached with caution before watching the movie.

                  That said, The Princess and the Frog delivers lessons on hard work, true love, and self-sacrifice. Tiana doesn’t give up on her dream, even if it means working four different jobs. She also recognizes that riches don’t fill the empty space in someone’s heart. And unlike many movies that preach against a loving family, Tiana’s family is tight-knit firm one.

                  The Bible has something to say about how riches are meaningless. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NCV) states “The love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have left the faith because they wanted to get more money, but they have caused themselves much sorrow.” For Shadow Man, he desires money to pay off his debt. Lawrence is easily bribed into wanting more money. Both characters are exposed, but they nonetheless convey dissatisfaction in their souls.

                  We humans often desire money and (wrongfully) think it will solve our problems. However, money won’t fill our emptiness, it amplifies the longing. That’s why being content, even when it’s the unpopular choice, saves us from heartbreak.

                  Both Tiana and Naveen learn this too. Throughout their journey, they sacrifice the desires of their hearts for each other. When Shadow Man tempts Tiana, it reminds me of Satan testing Jesus in the wilderness. “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’,” (Matthew 4:8-10) (NIV). Tiana rejects Shadow Man’s offer, even though it means she’ll live as a frog forever.

                  Though The Princess and the Frog is a mostly typical Disney film, it hits the right notes with powerful lessons, catchy musical numbers, and breathtaking animation. I’d advise parents to take caution with the film’s spirituality, but other than that, the film soars to new heights.