by Ken San Nicolas

Director: John Musker

Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Genre: Children's

Growing up, I remember the catchy tunes and unforgettable story lines of Disney classics like "Aladdin" and "Beauty and the Beast." Over the past decade however, Disney has taken animation in a new direction with 3D and computer graphic breakthroughs that are truly marvelous. Movies like "Finding Nemo" and "Up" have broken new ground and are clearly setting the bar for animation in the 21st century.

But even with all these breakthroughs in animation, sometimes hand-drawn images and deep allusions and story lines are all that are needed in order to produce a memorable cartoon. This is the case with Disney's newest offering, "The Princess and the Frog." While not the best hand-drawn offering Disney has produced, "The Princess and the Frog" is full of life and has a unique cast of characters that children are sure to remember and enjoy. In fact, Disney's latest animated feature film touches a subject matter that is very relevant and timely to today's world.

The film takes place in New Orleans circa 1913-1921 and revolves around the life of young African American waitress, Tiana -- a hard working woman who saves every penny in hopes of one day opening her own restaurant. As fate would have it, Tiana crosses paths with spoiled Prince Naseem, who just so happens to have been turned into a frog by an evil witch doctor. Tiana gives Naseem a kiss in hopes of transforming him into a human but as luck would have it, instead turns herself into a frog. Together the two embark on a journey through the bayous of Louisiana in search of a cure for their curse. Along the way of course, they fall in love and learn the difference about what they want from their lives as well as what they really need.

While the story itself teaches valuable lessons about hthe story and love, the true beauty in the film is the vast amount of detail that the animators have put into the picture itself. New Orleans culture is clearly displayed throughout the film in the music, characters, voodoo references and the food. One thing that Disney does extremely well is create memorable protagonists and villains that are unique from each other. (If I asked you to name the princess and the villain from 5 Disney films I'm sure you'd be able to do so.) "The Frog Prince" is no different in this regard. Tiana is a virtuous woman and is the very first African American protagonist in a Disney animated film. Dr. Facilier, the villainous voodoo practitioner, is an intimidating figure -- he takes shelter within the shadows and secrets that surround voodoo culture.

The supporting cast of characters are unforgettable as well. Louis the jazz-playing alligator and Ray the Cajun firefly help mbellish the beauty of New Orleans culture with tembellishentric accents and unique hobbies.

The influence of Cajun cuisine and music is prevalent throughout the movie as traditional dishes like gumbo and fried crawdads are made, and jazz and blues make up the entire soundtrack.

While some kids may not enjoy "The Princess and the Frog" as much as recent animations like "Up" and "Ice Age," Disney's latest offering has a surprising amount of substance and value -- especially for viewers who remember the golden age of Disney animation. Perhaps not the best Disney movie of all time, but definitely a worthy tribute to New Orleans and its rich culture.

4 out of 5 stars