Randy Newman and “The Princess and the Frog”
Randy Newman’s a bloody genius. His songs and musical score to “The Princess and the Frog” are pure magic. They’re perfect for this new Disney animation, which is wonderfully hand-animated. (Didn’t know I missed hand animation until I saw this film…) Set in New Orleans, there’s plenty of musical variety (jazz, Cajun, dixieland), and Randy’s music incorporates them all. Randy, take a bow! Kudos!!
Also, kudos to all the cast and artists who contributed to this new classic film. I could see it over and over again (and I don’t say that often). It lifted my spirits (and they needed it today), made me laugh out loud many, many times, totally engaged me in the film, and showered me with gorgeous voices (especially that of Anika Noni Rose) and Randy’s lively and spot-on music. The theatre audience was totally captivated too, with people calling out or laughing, really vocally expressing themselves.
You can’t talk about New Orleans without talking about music … or food. And the film featured the food as well, as the main character, Tiana, is a gifted cook who dreams of opening her own restaurant (something both my daughters also dream of doing). Some years ago, I was married into a Creole family – and I can tell you, the gumbo parties we had – um um um… so this film got my mouth watering and wanting some good ol’ Southern cooking!
Good music and good food. Good art and good story. Good fun and lots of laughs. Can’t beat that.
Best Disney film in many a year.
