Review of The Princess and the Frog (2009) by Angela C — 31 May 2011

Is it sad when a grown must critique a children's film by Disney and act like he's the ultimate authority on it? Yes, but you know, I love making children unhappy! They are the future after all, unless we can do anything about it.

So kids, I give you your first important lesson: When you are at a diner and the waitress seems unusually nice and chatty, do not give them a large tip. You see, these people are not genuinely kind in this situation, but merely trying to please you so that you'll reward them.

Do not be a sucker. This is The Princess and the Frog in a nutshell. Perhaps the comparison of creepily friendly waitresses was unfair, as all movies try to please their audiences and that is how Hollywood is run.

What I'm saying is rather different. I'm saying is that you should not waste your time on a movie that isn't doing anything it feels is right, but is simply doing what it thinks its audience will like.

Disney has always done this, but in The Princess and the Frog, it begins to get annoying. While it is refreshing seeing the old-style animation, The Princess and the Frog applies to my rule of audience manipulation, in that it is not interested in telling a story, but rather having people praise it.

This is the point where fluff becomes kistch, and it is unbearable. This movie just exudes wanting to be liked. It has all the forced contrived nature of limp fairytale while desperately trying to please any of its critics.

Yes Disney, you were racist in the past, but you don't need to give us stereotypical animals-that-are-supposed-to-be-minorities. Yes Disney, you have taught many stupid lessons, but you need focus.

You have conviction in nothing. You may go "Remember kids to value hard work and independence," only to pop in later and say "but don't take to a degree that makes you isolated," only then to come back with minutes to spare and pipe in "just don't let that go to your head.

Basically just try to do everything you can think of to a moderate degree, and thus all life will be perfect." Perhaps it is indeed time to dream big kids. Work hard to develop minds that will know when your being served a delicacy, and when you're being served chemicals to stimulate your testbuds.

Dream big, for you may someday become an artist who will actually try.