12/10/2009

in

The Princess and the Frog is controversial for two reasons.

Tari Gaffney

Exhibitor Relations is predicting that Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" will top the box office charts its opening weekend with $35 million. Although that projected amount is about half of the opening weekend pulls of recent Disney hits, "Up" ($68 million) and "WALL-E" ($63 million), there is little competition in the children's market this holiday season.  
  
However, [Forbes.com](http://www.forbes.com/2009/12/10/princess-frog-invictus-business-entertainment-blindside.html) reports that the film is risky for two reasons. First, the retelling of the fairy tale is a hand-drawn, 2-D movie in the style of Disney hits from the 1990s. The last time Disney had a hand-drawn hit was 2002's "Lilo & Stitch," which grossed $275 million worldwide. The new generation of kids has been raised on computer-animated films.  
  
Second, "The Princess and the Frog" showcases Disney's first black princess. Some view this choice as a bold departure, some view it as a portrayal that reinforces racist stereotypes.  
  
Nonetheless, the movie is getting encouraging reviews; it earned a rating of 69 out of 100 on Metacritic, a site that generates nationwide reviews.