I have to agree that this is rather underrated. I just rewatched it for the 2nd time since I saw it in theaters and was rather impressed. Unfortunately I fell asleep for a bit (worked all day, can't help it, I get tired). Anyway, I thought both Tiana and Naveen were original Disney characters. I loved that we had a heroine who wasn't fantasizing all day about a boy, but had dreams of her own and making her own business. Of course other Disney heroines have their own dreams, but it was nice to see a blue-collar, hard working girl. We actually saw her waitressing multiple jobs and saving money! I also like how Naveen is basically a playboy at first, arrogant and spoiled, but changes during the film. It's also great that we see the prince trying to make Tiana's dream come true and helping her start her business. The two seem like a great pairing, and have more going on than just an initial attraction.
The villain was also great. He is really creepy and I loved all the voodoo stuff. He kind of reminded me of Rasputin from Anastasia, but it works. I enjoy the Rasputin character as well (historical inaccuracies aside lol). Also the music is very good overall. I know there aren't really any standout or standalone songs, but the songs fit the film perfectly. And the side characters are great! Ray and Louis are very likable, and Mama Odie is very entertaining. When Ray dies it is so sad, but then so sweet when he joins Evangeline in the sky. It was nice getting another genuinely sad moment in a Disney film.
I think TPATF definitely holds up against Tangled and Frozen. I enjoy Tangled, but I've realized some fans really overrate it. It also doesn't have any real standout/standalone songs, and I don't even think the songs fit that film as well. I do enjoy Flynn and Rapunzel though, but I think Tiana is a better heroine. Also I love Mandy Moore's voice, but I actually think Tiana's singing voice is fantastic for a Disney heroine. For some reason I am not sure I think Moore's fits as well (although it may also just be the style they were going with for the music in that film). I just think TPATF has more substance.
Frozen I do admit I really liked. However, it is getting massively overrated. Personally the only standout song to me is Let it Go (which is phenomenal). I consider most of the other songs in the film complete fluff. I get the Broadway vibe, but I really just think they lack substance and are silly (though I do laugh at Olaf's song a lot). Also the trolls are a huge detractor from the film. They definitely bring the film down. Elsa is a really great Disney character though, so the film gets a lot of props for her. Anna is more a standard Disney character, and Kristoph doesn't stand out compared to other Disney men (Flynn probably stands out more to me even though I rank Tangled below Frozen). Anyway, I do have many issues with Frozen but at the end of the day I still love it. I just can admit that it is far from perfect. My point with the critique of Tangled/Frozen though, is that TPATF is just as good as them. It's a shame it is kind of ignored.
Heck I even watched Pocahontas again recently and it really went down for me. It definitely is lacking. I rank Hercules above it (definitely not the greatest, but has heart and is more enjoyable). But Pocahontas always seems to get a ton of love. I'll admit it has some good songs, but the film overall lacks for me (although I love the Savages scene).
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