We aren't thrilled to pieces by many of the last few decades' animated Disney films (I still haven't seen anything that tops the brilliant, spastic Lilo & Stitch), but this one, due out next winter, seems promising. It's a mixed-up version of the princess-kisses-a-frog story, set in Depression-era New Orleans, and its success or failure will probably come down to whether or not they handle issues of race with sensitivity and respect and whether audiences can handle their nostalgic and, well, Disneyfied portrayal of a city currently on its knees. Simplifying or downright demonizing voodoo culture, a big part of Louisiana's cultural heritage and an often misunderstood or misrepresented phenomenon, is the big red flag here.



The ace up Disney's sleeve for this film is the late addition of Oprah Winfrey to the cast, which means they'll have, let's say, a little extra help in the marketing department. The brilliant Randy Newman will do the music, making this perhaps the first perfect gig for a man who has been playing in the kids' movie sandbox for a while (remember "You've Got A Friend In Me" from Toy Story?) but is better respected for his popularizing of Dixieland jazz and even older New Orleans musical traditions.

[Via Goodyblog] - Jeremiah