Moving on a bit... Here's something funny that happened while watching ABC Family last night...
They were showing a TV spot for the moving, proclaiming it to be the number one movie in America. That's fine, but the commercial that followed it was rather un-PC but was coincidental.
The commercial was for Kentucky Fried Chicken...
Figure that one out, and my apologies if it offends.
The Princess and the Frog Discussion - Part III
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Elladorine
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pap64 wrote:Moving on a bit... Here's something funny that happened while watching ABC Family last night...
They were showing a TV spot for the moving, proclaiming it to be the number one movie in America. That's fine, but the commercial that followed it was rather un-PC but was coincidental.
The commercial was for Kentucky Fried Chicken...
Figure that one out, and my apologies if it offends.
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Margos
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Oh wow, enigmawing, wherever did you find that? That's hilarious!
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DisneyPrincessSyndrome
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Does anyone here live near a 99 cent store and frequently shop in it? Well, I do because they have Disney Princess (and Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Disney Fairies, Jonas Borthers, etc) school supplies and such and I was wondering when they would get Princess and the Frog items in (things based off the Jonas TV show came in about four or five months after the show premiered in May). Today when my mom and I went in, I SAW TIANA ITEMS! There were Tiana scissors and mechanical pencils and even two felt coloring sheets with frog Naveen and frog Tiana one and Louis the alligator on another. I can't wait until the DVD release or maybe even the new year will bring more Tiana items. :]
Well, I finally saw it, and I really liked it, but I wasn't blown away. Let's put it this way: after seeing PatF, I'm VERY happy Ron & John are nowhere near "Snow Queen".
First off, like many have said, pacing is way off – the movie just moves forward, no (crucial) moment is reflected upon much. The beginning in particular is aggravating: the only character to get any sort of proper introduction is Tiana (and Charlotte, to an extent). It's like there's a whole lot of Naveen and Lawrence's backstory missing – really, those few brief lines they exchange before they meet Dr. Facilier aren't enough to give you any sort of understanding why would Lawrence do what he did.
Dr. Facilier had such a great potential, but he's sadly underused. I was hoping we'd be spared of annoying minions this time, but here comes Lawrence... Such a shame, given the Facilier's relationship with those voodoo gods and shadow-monsters he could have carried this movie alone. This way, he's just a little more than a background character. Best part of the movie, Facilier and Tiana's showdown. So sinister, so malevolent – the best Disney villain since Scar.
Tiana and Naveen – People complain all the time how previous Disney couples fall in love the second they meet. I never had any problem with it... until PatF. The way Tiana and Naveen realize they're in love is so awkwardly done, complete with that out-of-the-blue proposal plan. I blame sloppy writing. Other than that, they're both fantastically written characters.
Ray's death - terribly sad, but ruined by an almost immediate sequence of Tiana and Naveen's wedding. Would it have been bad if they just waited a bit and, I don't know, just had some sort of conversation about it? Another thing that irked me (as small as it may be): Naveen and Tiana get married, kiss, and they're human again.
Naveen: "The curse is broken because, now that you married me, you're..."
Tiana: "A princess. You just kissed yourself a princess."
I don't know, repeating the same (already ubiquitous) word in the span of two seconds is just annoying and makes the other (great) part of Tiana's line useless. Or maybe it's just subliminal advertising at its best
Louis is okay, but he sort of feels like one sidekick too many. Really, what's his purpose? The hillbillies scene I didn't mind, it was actually entertaining.
Charlotte – I LOVED her! "I'm sweating like a sinner in church!"
Songs – I'm a Menken fanboy, but PatF songs are amazing. I listened to the soundtrack before I even saw the movie, loved the songs, and they work even better when accompanied by visuals. "Almost There" was the only song I didn't like at first, but after seeing the movie, I find myself singing it more often than any other PatF song. One thing I'm sure Menken would have done better is the score – I can't recall a really memorable instrumental piece in PatF.
The lack of epic moments – Renaissance movies, even though some were better than others, were all still pretty epic in scope. PatF really pales in comparison to them, the only scene close to epic/signature scene was "Ma Belle Evangeline". I apologize for comparing PatF to Renaissance films but Disney brought it on to themselves with those trailers.
I loved everything else.
Sorry if I'm being too negative with my ramblings here, but PatF was the movie I had such high hopes for and it kind of let me down. Don't get me wrong, it's still a great movie and I may change my opinion once I see it again, but I must admit I expected something different. The movie still took a lot of risks and it has to be commended for that. Overall, it's highly enjoyable, but there's something missing. For some reason, when I try to think of a similar movie in Disney canon, "Oliver & Company" comes to mind (I found PatF to be miles better than O&C, though).
Rant done
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First off, like many have said, pacing is way off – the movie just moves forward, no (crucial) moment is reflected upon much. The beginning in particular is aggravating: the only character to get any sort of proper introduction is Tiana (and Charlotte, to an extent). It's like there's a whole lot of Naveen and Lawrence's backstory missing – really, those few brief lines they exchange before they meet Dr. Facilier aren't enough to give you any sort of understanding why would Lawrence do what he did.
Dr. Facilier had such a great potential, but he's sadly underused. I was hoping we'd be spared of annoying minions this time, but here comes Lawrence... Such a shame, given the Facilier's relationship with those voodoo gods and shadow-monsters he could have carried this movie alone. This way, he's just a little more than a background character. Best part of the movie, Facilier and Tiana's showdown. So sinister, so malevolent – the best Disney villain since Scar.
Tiana and Naveen – People complain all the time how previous Disney couples fall in love the second they meet. I never had any problem with it... until PatF. The way Tiana and Naveen realize they're in love is so awkwardly done, complete with that out-of-the-blue proposal plan. I blame sloppy writing. Other than that, they're both fantastically written characters.
Ray's death - terribly sad, but ruined by an almost immediate sequence of Tiana and Naveen's wedding. Would it have been bad if they just waited a bit and, I don't know, just had some sort of conversation about it? Another thing that irked me (as small as it may be): Naveen and Tiana get married, kiss, and they're human again.
Naveen: "The curse is broken because, now that you married me, you're..."
Tiana: "A princess. You just kissed yourself a princess."
I don't know, repeating the same (already ubiquitous) word in the span of two seconds is just annoying and makes the other (great) part of Tiana's line useless. Or maybe it's just subliminal advertising at its best
Louis is okay, but he sort of feels like one sidekick too many. Really, what's his purpose? The hillbillies scene I didn't mind, it was actually entertaining.
Charlotte – I LOVED her! "I'm sweating like a sinner in church!"
Songs – I'm a Menken fanboy, but PatF songs are amazing. I listened to the soundtrack before I even saw the movie, loved the songs, and they work even better when accompanied by visuals. "Almost There" was the only song I didn't like at first, but after seeing the movie, I find myself singing it more often than any other PatF song. One thing I'm sure Menken would have done better is the score – I can't recall a really memorable instrumental piece in PatF.
The lack of epic moments – Renaissance movies, even though some were better than others, were all still pretty epic in scope. PatF really pales in comparison to them, the only scene close to epic/signature scene was "Ma Belle Evangeline". I apologize for comparing PatF to Renaissance films but Disney brought it on to themselves with those trailers
.I loved everything else.
Sorry if I'm being too negative with my ramblings here, but PatF was the movie I had such high hopes for and it kind of let me down. Don't get me wrong, it's still a great movie and I may change my opinion once I see it again, but I must admit I expected something different. The movie still took a lot of risks and it has to be commended for that. Overall, it's highly enjoyable, but there's something missing. For some reason, when I try to think of a similar movie in Disney canon, "Oliver & Company" comes to mind (I found PatF to be miles better than O&C, though).
Rant done
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Mason_Ireton
I loved it as well, I found Dr. Facilier to be quite a delicious villain, had the cunning of Hook, mannerisms of Shere Khan and an combined personality of Ursula and Honest John (FoulFellow). The plot was interesting, could've been stronger at certain points but I found it pleasing. The music was a delight along with the animation of Tiana's human form, just pure Disney.
Dr. Facillier's villain song was catchy and alil callback to "Pink Elephants" sequence, he could've been a tad more threating too but this portayal was interesting, maybe we'll see more deleted scenes explaining bout the Voodoos
I was bit worried bout character socialization, particulaly between Mr.Lebuff and Tiana's mother/Tiana, I know there wasn't direct racism towards Tiana or her family but it had me worried when the bankers refused to allow Tiana to pay ( minus the curse) I believe that interaction was a soft touch on racism
Dr. Facillier's villain song was catchy and alil callback to "Pink Elephants" sequence, he could've been a tad more threating too but this portayal was interesting, maybe we'll see more deleted scenes explaining bout the Voodoos
I was bit worried bout character socialization, particulaly between Mr.Lebuff and Tiana's mother/Tiana, I know there wasn't direct racism towards Tiana or her family but it had me worried when the bankers refused to allow Tiana to pay ( minus the curse) I believe that interaction was a soft touch on racism
Well, those two men told Tiana they couldn't sell that old building with her kind of "background." Tiana's family really didn't look that poor to me. They lived in a middle-class neighborhood. But in the scene where Dr. Facilier tempts Tiana (creepy scene too, so much like The Devil and Scar) he says that her father was a hard worker who had to work a long time to maintain their living I think. So I'm not sure if it was directed to poverty or race.Mason_Ireton wrote:I was bit worried bout character socialization, particulaly between Mr.Lebuff and Tiana's mother/Tiana, I know there wasn't direct racism towards Tiana or her family but it had me worried when the bankers refused to allow Tiana to pay ( minus the curse) I believe that interaction was a soft touch on racism
Say no to moldy, disgusting crackers!
enigmawing: L...O...FREAKING...L!!! I HAVE to save that picture...
Mooky: See, that's why I kept my expectations low. As excited as I was for the film I always made sure that my expectations were low in the event that the film didn't deliver. I also tried to NOT compare it to any of the fab four films, because, once more, the film simply wouldn't reach their grand presence.
I agree that the pacing is off and that the score and songs should have been stronger, but the film as a whole impressed me and considering that this could have gone very, very wrong I am happy that the return to 2D animation was great.
Mooky: See, that's why I kept my expectations low. As excited as I was for the film I always made sure that my expectations were low in the event that the film didn't deliver. I also tried to NOT compare it to any of the fab four films, because, once more, the film simply wouldn't reach their grand presence.
I agree that the pacing is off and that the score and songs should have been stronger, but the film as a whole impressed me and considering that this could have gone very, very wrong I am happy that the return to 2D animation was great.
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That actually made me laugh!pap64 wrote:Moving on a bit... Here's something funny that happened while watching ABC Family last night...
They were showing a TV spot for the moving, proclaiming it to be the number one movie in America. That's fine, but the commercial that followed it was rather un-PC but was coincidental.
The commercial was for Kentucky Fried Chicken...
Figure that one out, and my apologies if it offends.
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ajmrowland
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Dream Huntress
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Disney Duster - The thing with Mama Odie it's that she's a plot driven character, I understand your argument in that she served as a catalyzer for Naveen and Tiana to realize their feelings, but so did the hillbillies for that matter, and they were only on the screen for what, 30 seconds? If you try to compare her to other guide figures, as let's say, Rafiki, Mama Odie comes very short, she's not a bad character per se, she's funny, it's just that it would had been better if they had actually done something with her instead of just making her a McGuffin. Take the song "Dig a Little Deeper" for example, as good as it is, it felt just like filler. In a way, Ray could had been very well used to serve the same purpose of being the catalyzer, and his arc could had been more poignant because of it.
About Tiana and Naveen, I do see why some people think they're relationship was rushed, but hey, compared to say Aladdin and Jasmine (not counting the tv show or the sequels) or Ariel and Eric, it's like Tiana and Naveen knew each other for a lifetime. It was cute relationship, maybe they could had used a montage.
About Tiana and Naveen, I do see why some people think they're relationship was rushed, but hey, compared to say Aladdin and Jasmine (not counting the tv show or the sequels) or Ariel and Eric, it's like Tiana and Naveen knew each other for a lifetime. It was cute relationship, maybe they could had used a montage.
First off, I would like to say that I liked the movie, as I wrote a mini review of it on here after I saw it a week ago.
Im reading all these issues with the plot, and I tend to agree with a lot. Here is what I figure: (btw, this will be FILLED with SPOILERS, so if you havent seen the film, please dont read. I dont know how to turn things white):
Mama Odie IS indeed a fitting character. Maybe she doesnt have that much screen time, but she exists beyond her time: she is the objctive of the quest through the Bayou. The wizard of oz didnt get much screen time either, and yet he is vital to the movie... but I agree that what happens WHEN they get there, could have been a little better.
Actually, there are a lof of paralells between TPATF and WizarfOz. THe problem is that the heorine in this case meets her companions ONE THIRD into the movie, and there is already A LOT of plot already happening.
"going down the Bayou" is possibly THE most pointless song in Disney history. And the Hillbillies arent terrible, but a film that has as much plot as this one, every minute should be vital. And those two scenes arent.
And as charming as Ray is, and his whole Evangeline-storyline, he doesnt seem too vital to the story, Especially if we consider he only shows up after about 45 minutes!
Its a long movie, but everything seems to happen very fast, doesnt it? There are even two climaxes! Which one is it? The one at mardi gras, or the one in the cementery...and if its one whole climax, then its WAY too long.
I think they should have spent a bit more time on story on this film. Facilier is a little too fleeting, and the whole Lawrence plotline happens WAY WAAAAAY too fast. And how come Charlotte didnt suspect anything?
ANd boy, they REALLY should have gotten Menken to write the songs.
Again, its an entertaining movie, but far from Disney's best. If I recall, Hercules, to me, had similar pacing problems. It didnt feel as rushed, but it was a little all-over-the-place. But then again, it has a much more interesting climax.
I still loved this movie, I might see it again in theaters, and god knows I;ll buy the dvd.
Im reading all these issues with the plot, and I tend to agree with a lot. Here is what I figure: (btw, this will be FILLED with SPOILERS, so if you havent seen the film, please dont read. I dont know how to turn things white):
Mama Odie IS indeed a fitting character. Maybe she doesnt have that much screen time, but she exists beyond her time: she is the objctive of the quest through the Bayou. The wizard of oz didnt get much screen time either, and yet he is vital to the movie... but I agree that what happens WHEN they get there, could have been a little better.
Actually, there are a lof of paralells between TPATF and WizarfOz. THe problem is that the heorine in this case meets her companions ONE THIRD into the movie, and there is already A LOT of plot already happening.
"going down the Bayou" is possibly THE most pointless song in Disney history. And the Hillbillies arent terrible, but a film that has as much plot as this one, every minute should be vital. And those two scenes arent.
And as charming as Ray is, and his whole Evangeline-storyline, he doesnt seem too vital to the story, Especially if we consider he only shows up after about 45 minutes!
Its a long movie, but everything seems to happen very fast, doesnt it? There are even two climaxes! Which one is it? The one at mardi gras, or the one in the cementery...and if its one whole climax, then its WAY too long.
I think they should have spent a bit more time on story on this film. Facilier is a little too fleeting, and the whole Lawrence plotline happens WAY WAAAAAY too fast. And how come Charlotte didnt suspect anything?
ANd boy, they REALLY should have gotten Menken to write the songs.
Again, its an entertaining movie, but far from Disney's best. If I recall, Hercules, to me, had similar pacing problems. It didnt feel as rushed, but it was a little all-over-the-place. But then again, it has a much more interesting climax.
I still loved this movie, I might see it again in theaters, and god knows I;ll buy the dvd.
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reyquila
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Saw it last night with the kids. My boy saw it in a school field trip on it's opening day, so he has seen it twice. I was moved by the story, the animation looked great. To me the movie evoked a classic Disney movie. The sequences, the villain, the animals, good and evil!!! I loved it!!!
Last edited by reyquila on Sat Dec 19, 2009 5:40 am, edited 1 time in total.
WDW Trips: 1992,1997,2005,2006, 2007, 2008, 2009-10 (Disney's Port Orleans-Riverside), 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2022.
Disneyland Trips: 2008 (Disneyland Hotel) and 2016
Disney Cruises: 2007, 2010 (Wonder) and 2012 (Dream).
My Disney Movies http://connect.collectorz.com/users/peluche/movies/view
Disneyland Trips: 2008 (Disneyland Hotel) and 2016
Disney Cruises: 2007, 2010 (Wonder) and 2012 (Dream).
My Disney Movies http://connect.collectorz.com/users/peluche/movies/view
That's true... And since I've been burned by high expectations before, you'd think I'd learn from my mistakespap64 wrote:See, that's why I kept my expectations low. As excited as I was for the film I always made sure that my expectations were low in the event that the film didn't deliver. I also tried to NOT compare it to any of the fab four films, because, once more, the film simply wouldn't reach their grand presence.
. Oh well, what's done is done. I'm still looking forward to seeing PatF again.-
TheSequelOfDisney
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I'm going to see the film today and I'm really excited about it. I don't really know that much about it so I can't compare it to much of anything else. I can't wait and I'll report back later.
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I swear Puerto Rico must be the only place in the world that has field trips to movies...reyquila wrote:Saw it last night with the kids. My boy saw it in a school field trip on it's opening day, so he has seen it twice. I was moved by the story, the animation looked great. To me the movie evoked a classic Disney movie. The sequences, the villain, the animals, good and evil!!! I loved it!!!
Unless I am mistaken. American people, do your schools take you to the movies?
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jpanimation
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singerguy04
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lol, i wish! When I was in school (as if that was really a long time ago) we went to zoos, museums, state parks, and other education institutes for field trips. I mean, in high school we would go on a choir trip to places like theme parks (mostly a local one, but my junior year we went to WDW). Maybe it wasn't a field trip as you're thinking about it, but a after school sort of thing like the theme park trips.pap64 wrote:I swear Puerto Rico must be the only place in the world that has field trips to movies...reyquila wrote:Saw it last night with the kids. My boy saw it in a school field trip on it's opening day, so he has seen it twice. I was moved by the story, the animation looked great. To me the movie evoked a classic Disney movie. The sequences, the villain, the animals, good and evil!!! I loved it!!!
Unless I am mistaken. American people, do your schools take you to the movies?