Hollywood is always learning the wrong lessons. Case in point, "The Princess and the Frog" underperformed at the box-office. The lesson that Disney took from this was: "Well, I guess people don't want to see 2D animated films anymore." I actually got the opportunity to ask the president of Disney Animation if he foresaw any 2D animated films in the company's future. He responded that, despite being a fan of that style, the company has no plans of going forward with that. That was back in 2012, and true to his word they have not made another traditionally animated feature. That is the wrong lesson to learn, because the animation for this film is beautiful.
Some unfortunate timing and marketing helped spell this film's low return. In this same year we had "Secret of Kells", "Coraline", Fantastic Mr. Fox" and "Up", all some of the greatest animated films in their own right, tough competition to say the least.
OK, enough of setting the context of the situation, how is the film. It's good. The animation, the music and voice acting are all really good. The characters of Dr. Faciler, (voiced excellently by Keith David) and Tiana are some of the all-time Disney greats. Tiana is a great example for young viewers. She has a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. Despite these strengths, she still goes on a character arc, leans a lesson and progresses through the adventure. And it could be that Dr. Faciler is the last great Disney villain for the last 15 years.
The story is just uninspired. The setting of the swamp gets old pretty fast. The premise of our characters getting turned into animals, is one that I, and other audience members, have seen a dozen times too many. And the way circumstances play out is both overly convoluted and cliched.
It is a step in the right direction for Disney animation, it is just a shame that it slips up a little on the way.
