I love the traditional two-dimensional animation that studios have left behind in favor of the new computer animation technology, and I'm so glad Disney decided to give another reworked fairy tale a chance. The artwork for the movie is gorgeous. New Orleans during the Jazz Age is the perfect scenery to animate. There's fantastic architecture, lush greenery, bold wardrobe choices, and a very colorful cast of characters, including a jazz-playing alligator. New Orleans during the Jazz Age also lends some great music to the film. The sound is just as rich as the landscape and the song choices are spot on. The music is lively, leaving you tapping your feet long after the songs have ended. Using New Orleans as a backdrop for the newest version of a classic fairy tale was a great choice.

Tiana is not Disney's traditional princess, though, despite the older animation style, and I think the current generation of little girls will love her for it. Disney has stepped away from the old-fashioned idea of young women being saved from lives of misery by a handsome prince, and embraced young women who help themselves instead of just letting things happen to them. Tiana is brought up believing in the value of hard work, not marrying a wealthy man to buy her happiness, and it makes her a much more likable “princess.” Yes, she can be a bit stiff at times, but her journey as a frog helps her to realize that all work and no play isn't good either.

Even if you prefer the newer style of animation that comes from Dreamworks or Pixar, you should still give this movie a chance. It's definitely got the good old Disney magic, while still embracing a new age of storytelling. I'd even venture as far as saying that this is a must-see for fans of fairy tales, Disney, or animation, no matter how old you are.