Disney's Princess & the Frog -- your thoughts

[NY Disney fan]

Is it so hard for Disney to go back to making good movies? For example, why does every character have to have a wise-cracking sidekick? Why can't the sidekick be wise and all knowing (I'm not talking about Grandmother Willow ). Or just something *else* besides the same things we see all the time. Also, can't Disney make another princess movie in the vein of Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella or Snow White. The upcoming "Princess and the Frog" takes place in New Orleans. C'mon, there are no princesses in New Olreans, Louisiana. Princesses came from an ancient time in history during feudal times (in Europe) when royalty actually had power. I feel like Disney is being so contrived by making an American "princess" in the old-european style.

 

[Rora]

I don't know what I think about the new movie. I am excited to see it, just to see how it turns out. I really hope that the "new princesses" (Giselle, Princess and Frog girl, etc) don't try to take over the originals. They are classic.

I think Disney is trying really hard to get people to identify with a princess or character. An American girl is pretty identifiable.

I do agree that the whole sidekick thing is so annoying.. but I try to deal. I love Disney!! I would love to see another classic Disney Princess movie but I don't think it can happen. It just can't. There aren't going to be any more classic Princesses.

I feel like the Princess and the Frog will either be a big hit (maybe not make it to classic standing though) or a big flop. We'll see!

 

[Jennasis]

That's the only problem I have with the movie right now. I'm THRILLED to see a minority "princess" but I am not happy about how it's being done. There were no Africa-American princesses in New Orleans or anywhere else in the US. I would rather have seen the story take place in Africa with an actual African princess.

However, I'll wait until the film comes out. Disney rarely disappoints me so I'm not worried yet.

 

[chrisw127]

That's the only problem I have with the movie right now. I'm THRILLED to see a minority "princess" but I am not happy about how it's being done. There were no Africa-American princesses in New Orleans or anywhere else in the US. I would rather have seen the story take place in Africa with an actual African princess.

However, I'll wait until the film comes out. Disney rarely disappoints me so I'm not worried yet.

I'm thinking that the term "princess" might have more to do with how she carries herself than her actually having a title. It takes place during the 1920s. There were a small number of affluent black families in NO during that time, so maybe that's it? I have no idea. Sounds good, though.

 

[NotUrsula]

I'm thinking that the term "princess" might have more to do with how she carries herself than her actually having a title. It takes place during the 1920s. There were a small number of affluent black families in NO during that time, so maybe that's it? I have no idea. Sounds good, though.

Actually, there are indeed quite a few African-American "princesses" in New Orleans every year, and there have been since the 1890's. They are debutantes who reign over Carnival balls as members of the court of honor. The most prominant of these AA organizations is the Original Illinois Club, which has been doing a debutante ball with a crowned court since 1895. For some photos from a recent ball, see http://www.nola.com/mardigras/multi...w_gallery.cgi/nola/view_gallery.ata?g_id=9652

I'm guessing this will be a story about a poor girl who gets to participate in a Carnival Ball. Back in the 1920's, only the very wealthiest of the African-American Carnival associations held balls with crowned courts; the Carnival groups for lower-class participants were the male-only Mardi Gras Indians.

Until very recently, Carnival balls were VERY exclusive events, members only. They still are, actually, in most cases, though there are some Krewes that will sell a floor ticket for a price -- normally a very high price.

 

[Suzie Zoo]

If I can suspend my belief and accept that race cars talk and teacups dance, I think I can accept a princess from New Orleans!

I can't wait for this movie!! And every time I see the gal who has pics from it in her signature I get excited.