(Author’s Note: Because of my thesis, graduation, and job hunting, I didn’t have the spare time to write a review on The Princess and the Frog.  To make up for that, please see below.)

Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Frog has a rich palette of color, vibrance, and pizazz.  The movie is so visually stunning, I was instantly captivated.  The storyline was
sweet–nothing too complex, as I was already familiar with E. D. Baker’s The Frog Princess and that little plot twist.  The soundtrack wasn’t quite as powerful as the veteran team, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, but it fit the story with the jazzy feel and each song left audiences tapping their toes .

Tiana and Prince Naveen were both were fantastic leads.  Despite his arrogance, Naveen (the charming Bruce Campos) is quickly working his way up my “Favorite Prince” list, and his playful banter with Tiana is delightful.  It was wonderful watching two lead characters connecting like that, as many Disney romances are instantaneous.  Naveen’s charm connected to Tiana’s playful, clever side and that translated very well on screen.  Anika Nani Rose did a fantastic job of bringing Tiana to life, especially with her stunning voice, instantly shaping Tiana into a Disney leading ladies.  Smaller characters like Charlotte and Big Daddy were both great supporting roles, and while Charlotte is a spoiled little brat, she obviously cares about Tiana.  The more I watch the movie, the more endearing she becomes, despite her flakiness.

Last, but not least, I’d like to credit Disney’s veteran voice actors, Jim Cummings and Keith David.  Jim Cummings (Darkwing Duck, Don Karnage, Tigger) has always, always done a stellar job for Disney and I was thrilled
to see he finally got a big silver screen role instead of bit parts and fillers.  His portrayal of Ray was adorable and the end of the movie had me chocking back tears.  Likewise, Keith David (Goliath, Hercules’ Apollo) did a phenomenal job as the sinister Dr. Facilier.  I loved his song, “Friends on the other Side,” despite how short it was.  I also thought the bitterness and desperation came across perfectly.  He actually had to answer for his misdeeds, although I know many parents with young children felt the scenes with his “friends” were a bit too scary for young children.

The Princess and the Frog  was not just a dazzling animated film, but it also carried some important messages.  Tiana’s father advised her to wish on the star, but also to remember that hard work will get you where you
want to go.  A nice combination of destiny and logic, I thought.  Tiana does take the advice a bit too far, but her heart is in the right place. She and Naveen even each other out  to a happy medium with the help of
their ice-breaking friends, Louie and Ray.  Another fantastic feature about this movie is that magic is not what solves every problem.  Mama Odie’s advice to “dig a little deeper” is valid and essential.  While magic does
play a role, Mama Odie doesn’t have to use any for the characters to get a happy ending.  Instead, it is their own revelations that help them find their way.

For those who don’t know, I spent all of 2009 finishing my thesis.  It was a long, strenuous process that finally came to a close in December, when I earned my Masters in English.  I’ve never worked so hard on anything before, and there were times where I was sure I wouldn’t be able to finish.  However, with the guidance of two wonderful professors, I turned a paper into a lifelong achievement that I will forever be proud of.  Since then I have taken a much needed rest, visiting old friends, reading whatever my little heart desired, and beginning my job search.  Like many out there, it hasn’t been easy, but I’m sure the right job is out there. Until then, I’ve taken up temporary work, which I’m really loving.  I’m also freelancing on Suite101, so stop by and check out my fairy tale and author book reviews, as well as Disney related information.

In the meantime, I fully intend to keep this blog up.  I love the topic and I’m passionate about it – I just don’t have the time I once did.  Because I didn’t review “The Princess and the Frog” like I wanted to, I’ll be reviewing it in honor of the DVD that came out Tuesday.

            -Terry Pratchett, Witches Abroad

Note: If you haven’t read Witches Abroad go, run now to a book store, and pick it up.  Pratchett is always delightful and in his parodic take on fairy tales, readers will be delighted.

On another, more site friendly note: has everyone noticed all the Princess and the Frog merchandise that’s become available lately?  I am so excited for the new film!

I haven’t had a chance to read the book just yet, what with graduation approaching, but I did find a blurb on The Looking Glass Wars website.

“The war for Wonderland has become a war for Imagination!  King Arch has declared himself King of Wonderland as Alyss searches wildly for the solution to the metaphysical disaster that has engulfed her Queendom. The power of Imagination has been lost!  Alyss’s search for answers takes her to London where Arch’s assassins threaten Alice Liddell and her family. But after coming to her adopted family’s assistance, Alyss discovers herself trapped in a conundrum of evaporating puddles. The shimmering portals that exist to transport her home through the Pool of Tears are disappearing! What is happening in Wonderland? Deep within the Valley of Mushrooms the Caterpillar Oracles issue this prophecy: “Action shall be taken to ensure the safety of the Heart Crystal. For Everqueen.” But who is Everqueen?

As the metamorphosis of Wonderland unfolds, enemies become allies, bitter rivals face-off, and Queen Alyss and Redd Heart must confront their pasts in this thrilling, no-holds-barred conclusion to the New York Times best-selling series. Minus the power of Imagination it’s all about the artillery with King Arch, Redd Heart and Queen Alyss’s armies battling for control of Wonderland using AD52′s, crystal shooters, spikejack tumblers and orb cannons. Imagine that!”

I have high hopes for this novel, especially if it’s as good as the last two (The Looking Glass Wars, Seeing Redd).  If you’re a fan of retellings, Alice in Wonderland or just an amazing tale, go check our Frank Beddor’s newest title, Archenemy.

Over the centuries we have transformed the ancient myths and folk tales and made them into the fabric of our lives.  Consciously and unconsciously we weave the narratives of myth and folklore into our daily existence.”

-Jack Zipes

“Each fairy tale is a magic mirror which reflects some aspects of our inner world, and of the steps required by our evolution from immaturity to maturity.  For those who immerse themselves in what the fairy tale has to communicate, it becomes a deep, quiet pool which at first seems to reflect our own image; but behind it we soon discover the inner turmoils of our soul – its depth, and ways to gain peace within ourselves and with the world, which is the reward of our struggles.”  -Bruno Bettelheim, The Uses of Enchantment

“Overall this was a strong collection.  None of the stories were bad, and none of them were at such a startling disjunct from the others that they cannot be compared.  I think that the determinations of stronger/weaker stories would vary for each reader based on his/her preferences in terms of setting, style, and character types.  If you are a fan of any of these authors, I would recommend picking this volume up.  The stories might not be exactly what you’re used to from any of them, but they are certainly enjoyable—and you may just find yourself discovering a new favorite writer.  I would also recommend this collection to anyone looking for a set of sweet love stories who doesn’t mind a fairy-tale level of fantasy and who doesn’t need a high level of eroticism or a dashing hero to save the day.  These girls know how to save themselves (and sometimes their men), and watching them do so makes for a delightful afternoon in another world.”

Another book to keep a look for is  There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor’s Baby: Scary Fairy Tales.  The book contains 19 short stories by the Russian author, Ludmilla Petrushevskaya.  According to Kim Hedges of the Star Tribune, are tales are dark “even by Russian standards.”  For those who’ve had to sit through a semester of Russian lit in the snowy winter, I can tell you ”dreary” is the word that comes to mind.   However, if you can handle or thrive upon this type of lit, There Once Lived is the book for you.  Hedges said:

“Despite all this, the experience of reading “There Once Lived” is actually, somehow, not all that depressing. Petrushevskaya’s casual manner of storytelling has a way of making the eerie and impossible seem plausible. Just as some people tell stories as though regular, straightforward life on Earth is the norm, Petrushevskaya tells stories as though nothing but a kind of shady, dreamlike area between life and death is the norm — a norm that makes lines like the declaration of the narrator at the very end of “The Fountain House” especially striking: “It was in a dream, though, that it happened, and dreams don’t count.”‘

“A line of abayas, jalabiyas and evening wear, the collection was designed with immaculate tailoring, whimsical shapes, stunning beading and embroidery, and each individual piece is lovingly and painstakingly handcrafted, says Kanzi’s Raghda Taryam.

The name, “Fairytales”, comes from the thoughts and images conjured up when the collection is seen in entirety.

The collection seeks to explore in detail the concept of dreams, with each piece set to appear like a floating, stunningly crafted experiment that merges unique shapes and forms.”

Kanzi’s fashions may be stunning but for some, they may be financially out of reach.  For those of you who are looking for inspiration or something within your budget, check these pics and their links out.

"Cinderella" inspired look.

For more fairy tale inspired looks, check out Mermaid in a Manhole: Fairytale Fashion.

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings reveals Giselle’s gown, with several other stunning selections.

Lolliblog features “High Fashion to Weddings” with works from Tim Walker.

Etsy also has several charming fairy tale accessories to complete your look.  Enjoy!