The official trailer for Disney’s The Princess and the Frog is out.
It’s impossible to judge a Disney Princess movie without hearing the songs, especially the "I am [Princess], behold my trying circumstances, and my dream to overcome them" ditty. Think Snow White’s "Some Day My Prince Will Come," Aurura/Briar Rose’s "I Wonder," Cinderella’s "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes," Ariel’s "Part of Your World," Belle’s "Belle," Pocahontas’ "Just Around the River Bend," Mulan’s "Reflection," QED. (Technically Jasmine is a Disney Princess TM, but Aladdin’s not really about her. The "here is my deal, I have needs" song from that film is his, and it’s "One Jump Ahead.") Anyway, minus Tiana’s anthem, I’m unable to render meaningful judement on the film. On the plus side, I like classic 2-D style animation, and the film sure looks pretty. On the concerns side, Disney’s track record with racism and racist caricature makes me a little nervous when I see stuff like that toothless firefly.
What do you think, PopWatchers? Are you puckering up for The Princess and the Frog?
There’s more footage after the jump…
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I grew up on Disney movies like “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Little Mermaid.” I’m embarrassingly old to be saying this, but I am SO excited for “The Princess and the Frog!” This trailer had me grinning like a little girl again. Can’t wait!
Yes, the firefly looks and sounds troublesome, but I will reserve judgement until I hear more.
As you said…. with Disney’s track record with racist caricatures I’m a little hesistant to be on board with this but… my curiosity has been piqued.
Erin-
You’re not the only person who’s too old to be embarrassed about looking forward to this.
Don’t get me wrong: I ADORE what Pixar has done over the last decade and I don’t believe they’ve ever made a bad movie. However, Disney’a animated 2-D musicals hold a special place in my heart. Hopefully this one at least comes close to living up to classics like “Little Mermaid”, “Aladdin”, “Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast”
Eh, the animator says the firefly is supposed to be “cajun,” not black. In the clip I got more of a Farmer Fran from “The Waterboy” vibe (or Coach Ed Orgeron, if anyone knows who that is).
Don’t worry about the firefly, I don’t think the firefly’s will unite against us and turn themselves off.
This images in the trailer are so beautiful, I can’t wait to see the whole movie.
ive seen this like a million times months ago- this is barely a trailer and more like a teaser– waiting for something new!!!
I cannot WAIT for this! I miss ‘flat’ animation in the style of true Disney masterpieces. The color and art in this trailer look fantastic, and even the musical backdrop sounds phenomenal. I agree that Disney’s record with cultural elements isn’t great, but here’s hoping the writers/producers have given this a lot of thought, because I really WANT to love this movie, and I want it to be loved, so we get more like it in the future.
Coming from a girl who loves ANYTHING Disney (and isn’t embarrased to admit it,# the movie makes me wish I was five years old again and believe in fairy tales
I’ll definently be seeing it… #does anyone else have an urge to see Beauty and The Beast or The Little Mermaid or classics of the like?)
I’ve been waiting my whole life for a black (African American or African) Disney princess and, so far, I am NOT happy with this. I saw a few trailers and they all looked awful. And if the princess is going to be a frog for most of the movie, we won’t even get to see the black girl. And her name is Tiana, which I think is ridiculous. It’s old New Orleans. Wouldn’t her name be more French, Creole or African sounding? Tiana? After Belle, Ariel, Aurora, and Jasmine? Please… at least it’s better than than Maddie, which was her name before they came to their senses and changed it. And one last thing, why couldn’t the prince be black?
I am so excited. I wish they would have made this sooner so many of the little girls back then could be inspired.Also I see nothing wrong with a white prince, all the black guys where i live dont like black girls, so i dont see why they need to be upset. most of the black girls in my city have to get a boyfriend from another school district because the guys dont want a black girl and alot of white guys dont want a black girl, so im a lil interested about how people will react once the movie comes out!
I gagged a bit at the “Tiana” name too–very contemporary, not really early 20th-century Creole/Gens de coleur libres. But then I remember “The Emperor’s New Groove”. And then I got really worried.
so i was excited for the movie, ridiculously excited. but now im a little disappointed. not meaning to be racist in anyway, but if ur finally trying to appease the black community, disney, keep it as all black. one would never see cinderellas prince black, even in the brandy musical remake what was he? asian? why cant we finally have a black princess being rescued by her black prince? and a majority of the cast is white. im just sayin, if disney is trying to right by the black community, do it right
I was excited when I first heard about a black princess movie, finally. Now, I’m disappointed because she will be a frog for the most part and her prince is not black. Even in fantasy land, the sista just can’t get a good brotha or escape being looked upon as ugly for a part of her life! Why????
This is stupid people trying to declare “racism”. Remember, 13% of the nation is black and you’re claiming that by not having a black prince Disney is racist, is STUPID. This PC crap needs to stop. I’m asian. There’s no asian people in the film! This Film is RACIST!
[...] While many people have eagerly awaited “The Princess and the Frog,” Disney’s long history of negative or stereotypical portrayals of non-White characters (i.e., “Fantasia“) meant many were concerned about what the final product might be. Leontine G. sent us the trailer way back in May when it first came out (found at EW.com): [...]
Disney has a very large misconception of what people of Color are all about, due to the cacoon, that is Disney. Few if any of the voice overs in earlier animated films were people of color, unless there was a need tofill a stereotype.
Examine their track record, “Ugly Betty” whose women of color only date white guys, or guys who look white. Then there is “Lincoln Heights,” all about a high school couple one white, one black, guess which one is black. None of this would raise an eyebrow, if there was balance. Interracial dating goes both ways.
As for the “Frog and the Princess,” her love interest, or Prince is anything but a black man. This says very little about the fairness of it all, she is too good to be with one of her own.
Disney you had a chance to be more realistic, but you and your racist attitude blew it. For more examples just view the Disney Channel, examine how manypeople of color have a quality role.
Why does everybody bring race into everything!?! It doesn’t matter. I thought we were supposed to treat everybody equal. So why are constantly pointing fingers and bringing race into everything. If anybody is the racist it’s you for throwing it in there.
and how in the world does not having teeth have anything to do with race???? it’s a firefly…
I saw a billboard here in Los angeles and it shows a croc and a frog, why not show a BLACK princess which this is about? Are they (disney) not proud? false advertising. I will NOT see this movie…