OK for kids 6+
First African-American Disney princess is a good role model.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Princess and the Frog is Disney's first movie to feature an African-American heroine, Tiana. The New Orleans-set story is a spin on the classic fairy tale about the princess who finds true love when she kisses an enchanted amphibian, but there's more to this tale than just romance: Tiana is a resourceful, hardworking heroine who's a strong role model and is one of the first Disney heroines who doesn't have to be rescued by a man. While some have been concerned that the movie might reinforce stereotypes -- and it's true that many of the supporting characters feel shallow (and the movie's voodoo subplot is far from subtle) -- overall the film does a good job of adding diversity to Disney’s hit parade. But while the movie is kid-friendly on the whole, the villain and his shadowy spirit henchmen can be quite scary, and one important character does die, which makes it a little too intense for the youngest viewers.
- Families can talk about whether there are any stereotypes in the movie. Which characters or storylines might be seen as stereotypical? Why?
- What do you think of Tiana as a heroine? How does she stack up against other Disney princesses? Does she send girls any new/different messages than previous Disney heroines?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Not an issue
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Messages: The movie has a heartfelt message about love being the most important thing of all, trumping both financial and professional success. And Tiana is one of the only Disney princesses who doesn't have to be rescued by a man. The movie's secondary voodoo theme, while tongue-in-cheek, plays to assumptions of what New Orleans is like.
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Role models: Much has been made of heroine Tiana, who’s blazing a new trail by being the first African-American Disney princess. She’s a strong role model for girls -- hardworking, loyal, and resourceful -- albeit a relatably imperfect one. She sacrifices some aspects of her personal life in favor of work. Her princely counterpart starts off on shakier ground, seeking to capitalize on his good looks. But in the end he changes into someone more soulful. On the downside, many of the supporting characters aren't very well developed, and some make derisive comments that could be interpreted as being racially motivated (i.e. suggesting that someone of Tiana's background couldn't understand business).
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: A scary villain (who commands very creepy shadow minions and casts voodoo spells involving the "other side") and some cartoonish battling: For example, a man clubs another with a piece of wood, and inept hunters brandish guns and clubs at each other. One throws knives at Frog Tiana. Also, the villain hurts a major character badly. The injury leads to death, which is gracefully handled -- though still pretty intense for a kid-targeted movie.
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Sexy stuff: Characters kiss when they live happily ever after. The plot turns on a princess kissing a frog. Naveen is quite the ladies' man, but it's mostly shown through very mild flirting.
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Language: Not an issue
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Consumerism: Tiana is a Disney Princess, whose brand reaches far and wide. Expect to see Princess branding on consumer merchandise, food products, etc. as well as in books, websites, and other media.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some adult characters hold and/or sip from wine glasses and champagne flutes at restaurants and parties.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
TOOK 5 KIDS: A Few Scary Parts, 1 Sad Part, BUT A GREAT DISNEY PRINCESS FLICK! by BenAnnas
I LOVED much of this movie, especially the theme of HARD WORK vs wishing/waitng for a Princely rescue, which has been SORELY lacking from every other Disney Princess flim to date. An especially good message for girls growing up in today's economy!
I went to this movie with 5 Princesses (all dressed the part) aged 4-8, and 3 Queen Mums as part of a Princess themed birthday party. One girl (age 4) did well for most of the film, but sought Mom's lap during a scary bit. Two (age 5) had ZERO problems with the "scary" parts, giggled & laughed at the many funny scenes, but got a lttle restless 3/4 through. One (age 8) sat quietly throughout but did seek out Mom during a sad scene. Everyone seemed to love the film at the end (Moms included)!
I highly recommend this movie for kids of ALL ages. Know your child(ren), & make your decisions based on that. Some may be fine with or without a pep talk or lap break. Others may do better waiting for the DVD (& daylight in the living room).
5
Too Cute by Happy2baliven05
Very happy movie. Highly reccomended!
5
Five Word Review by marinermoose79
Better Than the Chipmucks Movie
5
Five Word Review by cheeseballs
ATotal MustWatch My4,5,8YearOlds LovedItSoMuch WeWent3Times
5
Five Word Review by marinermoose80
Way Better Than I Thought!!
5
Five Word Review by jonesnones2468
My4And6 YearOldGirls LovedIT DISNEY BACK!!
5
Phenomenal! by KiloHoku
We took our 3-year old daughter and, although some children would be scared with some parts, she wasn't at all. This could well be the best Disney cartoon yet made. It was cinematically enchanting from start to finish and really took you to a refreshing new world - even though that world was as close as "Nawlins". The movie also had substance and many different insights that really make you think about things in life. I was truly fulfilled by this movie. My daughter loved it and I recommend it to Disney lovers and Disney skeptics alike.
I just read some of the other reviews that are fussing about the prince not being black. This objection really surprises me. If the prince WERE black, how many people would object that they had to have a black woman marry a black man? Disney gives us a win-win situation; first we finally have a black Disney princess and second we have a beautiful example of an interratial marriage. Who's not going to be happy about that?
5
To much evil? Please by smith80
Can you think of any fairy tale, that does not involve good and evil? Little red riding hood, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack In The Bean Stalk.. Without the evil you cannot have the beauty of good triumphing over it.
These imaginary "evils" are what will prepare your child to deal with the real world in the future.
This is a very good family movie. My kids loved the movie, including myself. A MUST WATCH!!!!!!!!!!
5
Five Word Review by cheesecake80
TheBestFamily MovieInYears!!!!!! WayBetterThan Chipmucks!!! AllAgesMustGO!!
5
Five Word Review by helleo1979
A MustWatch FOR ALL Ages!!