Director: John Musker, Ron Clements
Starring: Anika Noni Rose, John Goodman, Keith David, Bruno Campos, Jim Cummings, Jenifer Lewis, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard

Disney are back doing what they do best with The Princess & The Frog. As their first hand-drawn animated musical since Mulan (1998) and the first ever Disney movie to feature an African-American princess, this film is a must see.

The story is set in the vibrant city of New Orleans during the 1920’s and if you haven’t figured out by now, it’s a new take on the famous ‘Frog Princess’ fairytale.  You know, the one where the princess has to kiss the frog prince to make him human again?

The film focuses on the beautiful and hard-working Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) who is too busy earning the money to open her own restaurant to be bothered with any frogs.  However, she does meet the frog prince Naveen (Bruno Campos) and she does kiss him – and that’s where the adventure starts.

In an effort not to give away the entire storyline, the pair end up on a journey down the Bayou to find the voodoo lady Mama Odie, (played by everybody’s favourite auntie or mama – Jenifer Lewis).  Along the Bayou, they meet all sorts of heart warming characters that are expected of a Disney movie and much singing and dancing ensues until the happily ever after.  But don’t worry, the film is not without it’s dark point as of course; there’s a villain in the form of an evil, scheming voodoo magician, Dr Facilier (Keith David) who is rather scary!

This movie is a pleasure to watch, as the musical numbers are soul soaring and there are parts that leave you on the edge of your seat.  Disney films aren’t just for kids you know!

Oscar® winning composer Randy Newman provides the captivating music and Directors John Musker and Ron Clement, who were the makers of Aladdin and The Little Mermaid, prove that this must be the secret formula for Success.

–Amber Yespaul

The Princess And The Frog hits UK cinemas on the 5th February 2010.