The Princess and The Frog

Unfortunately I had given up on Disney films, because I felt that they had lost that long ago sparkle and magic of 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Cinderella' type brilliance and had instead gone to silly, bogus and wild inventions like 'Lilo and Stitch' and 'Little Chicken'. To each his own, however they had taken the fairy out of the tale, and the princesses and dreams out of the hearts of small children; I'd much rather have my young people believe in their dreams instead of fighting shark aliens. I suppose both stories like films which each have their following and audience; and it would be juvenile of me to say that both don't have their own appeal and special place. All I can say is why I no longer cared for them.

Funny story though; I had watched an interview with art director Ian Gooding; a man who has worked with Walt Disney studios for a very long time, who just so happened to be of Caribbean heritage; a man from non-other than the infamous Caribbean island of Jamaica. He spoke of his affiliation with Walt Disney, and the many films he worked on and happened to mention The Princess and The Frog. He spoke of how much research they had to do for the film; visiting New Orleans and recording cab car sounds and authentic music from several New Orleans bands; and that the film had a very good story. Before that too; I suppose it did catch my eye seeing a princess of 'colour' and what changes that could bring for small black girls worldwide to see themselves in this positive light. I had heard Angelina Jolie speak of the film and how excited she had been about it because of it being an optimistic film for one of her adopted children from Ethiopia.

It was. It was optimistic, positive, heart-warming, and positively entertaining with all that Jazz! Sure the little black girl wasn't ordinarily a princess in the world, but she became one, and really was always a princess inside. I was glad they didn't name the princess "Shinaynay", and found it interesting that her Prince was from another country and not even her same race. Hmmm… Who wouldda' thunk!?J The message of the story I found inspiring, "Your dreams can come true if you work hard and believe in them…" It's what all the great masters before us have said, the secret throughout time; and here was this priceless message brought to you in song and dance with bright fire-flies, burly alligators and two mucus filled frogs.

I loved the voo-doo twist; and the fact that they showed both sides; the good and evil, as is true in life. Not always getting what you want, but finding out what you need and what you already have so much of. With this knowledge and by digging a little deeper into finding out who you are, you're able to overcome obstacles, challenges and those who try to show you an easy way when all they truly wish to do is to take advantage of you. When you are able to work past all these things, then you realize that good is on your side and no evil can overcome because you are stronger than ever with faith and hope in a dream that was yours always to begin with; waiting to blossom into reality with endearing patience and joy in a promise for all those who believe in it! J