Terrence Howard – Page 2 – We Are Movie Geeks

Lee Daniels, Oprah Winfrey, Forest Whitaker & David Oyelowo To Narrate THE BUTLER: A Witness to History Audiobook

Simon & Schuster Audio, in association with The Weinstein Company, has announced the August 2013 publication of THE BUTLER: A Witness to History. This audiobook companion to the major motion picture is read by the stars who play the family at the center of the film: the title character, his wife, and his son– Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey and David Oyelowo.

Commented director Lee Daniels: “The story THE BUTLER tells is one not only of epic historical significance, but a universal one about the importance of family. To have it come to life on screen and with this audiobook, through the tremendous talents of Forest, Oprah, and David, is a dream come true.”

Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker narrates the story of Eugene Allen, a butler who served no less than seven presidents, from Harry Truman to Ronald Reagan. Allen was witness to history during his years at the White House, serving tea and supervising buffets as influential decisions about the moon landing, Vietnam War, Civil Rights legislation, and more took place around him.

THE BUTLER audiobook also includes author Wil Haygood’s exploration of the history of black images on celluloid and in Hollywood, read by Oprah Winfrey and David Oyelowo.

Lee Daniels, the Academy Award nominated director of PRECIOUS, reads the forward he penned.

37 INK, a new imprint of Atria Books, will publish hardcover and ebook editions of THE BUTLER on Tuesday, July 30.

The film, which opens on August 16, is set against the tumultuous political backdrop of 20th century America.

The historical epic Lee Daniels’ THE BUTLER tells the story of fictional White House butler Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker), who serves during seven presidential administrations between 1957 and 1986. Inspired by Wil Haygood’s 2008 Washington Post article “A Butler Well Served by This Election” about the real life of former butler Eugene Allen, the film begins in 1926 with a young Cecil living in the fiercely segregated South and facing the tyranny of the region’s prejudices. After years spent working in a hotel, Cecil is discovered by a White House employee, which leads to the opportunity of a lifetime: a job as a server at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. There, Cecil becomes a firsthand witness to history and the inner workings of the Oval Office as the civil rights movement unfolds.

At the same time, he and his volatile but loving wife (Oprah Winfrey) must grapple with the rebellious spirit of their son Louis (David Oyelowo) whose tenacious hunger for activism and equal rights often puts him in dangerous situations – and at perpetual odds with his father. While Cecil remains fiercely committed to his duties at the White House and to providing for his family, his determination leads to increasing tensions between him and his anti-establishment son.

Through the eyes and emotions of the Gaines family, Daniels’ film follows the changing tides of American politics and race relations; from the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., to the Freedom Riders and Black Panther movements, to the war in Vietnam and the Watergate scandal, Cecil experiences the effects of these events as both an insider and a family man.

With an incredible supporting cast that includes John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding Jr, Terrence Howard, Lenny Kravitz, James Marsden, Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Redgrave, Alan Rickman, Liev Schreiber and Robin Williams, Lee Daniels’ THE BUTLER is a story about the resilience of one man, the growth of a nation, and the power of family.

Website – http://leedanielsthebutlermovie.com
Facebook – https://facebook.com/leedanielsthebutler
Twitter – http://twitter.com/weinsteinfilms

LENNY KRAVITZ in Lee Daniels’ THE BUTLER.

DAVID OYELOWO in Lee Daniels’ THE BUTLER.

FOREST WHITAKER and CUBA GOODING JR. Lee Daniels’ THE BUTLER.

Watch The New Trailer For PRISONERS Starring Hugh Jackman And Jake Gyllenhaal

From Alcon Entertainment comes the new trailer for PRISONERS, starring Oscar nominees Hugh Jackman (“Les Misérables”) and Jake Gyllenhaal (“Brokeback Mountain”), from director Denis Villeneuve (INCENDIES).

How far would you go to protect your child? Keller Dover (Jackman) is facing every parent’s worst nightmare. His six-year-old daughter, Anna, is missing, together with her young friend, Joy, and as minutes turn to hours, panic sets in. The only lead is a dilapidated RV that had earlier been parked on their street. Heading the investigation, Detective Loki (Gyllenhaal) arrests its driver, Alex Jones (Paul Dano), but a lack of evidence forces the only suspect’s release.

Knowing his child’s life is at stake, the frantic Dover decides he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands. The desperate father will do whatever it takes to find the girls, but in doing so, he may lose himself, begging the question: When do you cross the line between seeking justice and becoming a vigilante?

Led by Jackman and Gyllenhaal, the dramatic thriller PRISONERS features an all-star cast, including Maria Bello (“Beautiful Boy”) as Keller’s distraught wife, Grace; Oscar nominees Terrence Howard (“Hustle & Flow”) and Viola Davis (“The Help,” “Doubt”) as Franklin and Nancy Birch, whose daughter Joy went missing with the Dovers’; Academy Award winner Melissa Leo (“The Fighter”) as Alex Jones’ Aunt Holly; and Paul Dano (“Looper”) as Alex Jones.

Denis Villeneuve directs the film from an original screenplay by Aaron Guzikowski (“Contraband”).

Alcon Entertainment’s PRISONERS is scheduled for release on September 20, 2013, and will be distributed domestically by Warner Bros. Pictures.

http://prisonersmovie.warnerbros.com/

https://www.facebook.com/PrisonersMovie

Hugh Jackman And Jake Gyllenhaal Head Cast As Filming Begins On Alcon Entertainment’s PRISONERS

Principal photography is underway on location in Georgia for Alcon Entertainment’s PRISONERS, a Warner Bros. Pictures’ release starring Oscar® nominees Hugh Jackman (“Les Misérables”) and Jake Gyllenhaal (“Brokeback Mountain”), under the direction of Denis Villeneuve, who helmed the Oscar®-nominated foreign language film “Incendies.”

How far would you go to protect your child? Keller Dover (Jackman) is facing every parent’s worst nightmare. His six-year-old daughter, Anna, is missing, together with her young friend, Joy, and as minutes turn to hours, panic sets in. The only lead is a dilapidated RV that had earlier been parked on their street. Heading the investigation, Detective Loki (Gyllenhaal) arrests its driver, Alex Jones (Paul Dano), but a lack of evidence forces the only suspect’s release.

Led by Jackman and Gyllenhaal, the dramatic thriller PRISONERS features an all-star cast, including Maria Bello (“Beautiful Boy”) as Keller’s distraught wife, Grace; Oscar® nominees Terrence Howard (“Hustle & Flow”) and Viola Davis (“The Help,” “Doubt”) as Franklin and Nancy Birch, whose daughter Joy went missing with the Dovers’; Academy Award® winner Melissa Leo (“The Fighter”) as Alex Jones’ Aunt Holly; and Paul Dano (“Looper”) as Alex Jones.

Denis Villeneuve directs the film from an original screenplay by Aaron Guzikowski (“Contraband”). Kira Davis, Adam Kolbrenner, and Academy Award® nominees Broderick Johnson and Andrew A. Kosove (“The Blind Side”) are the producers, with John Starke, Ed McDonnell, Stephen Levinson, Robyn Meisinger and Mark Wahlberg serving as executive producers.

Villeneuve is supported by a top-flight creative team that includes 10-time Oscar®-nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins (“Skyfall”), Oscar®-nominated production designer Patrice Vermette (“The Young Victoria”), Oscar®-winning editor Joel Cox (“Unforgiven”), editor Gary Roach (“J. Edgar”), and costume designer Renée April (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”).

Alcon Entertainment’s PRISONERS is scheduled for release on September 20, 2013, and will be distributed domestically by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Colin Farrell, Terrence Howard And Noomi Rapace Star In DEAD MAN DOWN Film Clips

With all the new releases entering the market in March, this new film is one to be on the lookout for. Colin Farrell, Noomi Rapace and Academy Award® nominee Terrence Howard star in Niels Arden Oplev’s DEAD MAN DOWN. Oplev, director of the original The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, makes his American theatrical debut with the new thriller.

Farrell and Rapace star as two strangers who are irresistibly drawn to one another by their mutual desire for revenge. The film also co-stars Dominic Cooper, from a screenplay by J.H. Wyman (Fringe).

Watch these new clips and get a behind-the-scenes look at all the action from the upcoming film.

Revenge is coming when DEAD MAN DOWN hits theaters March 8th.

http://blooddemandsblood.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DeadManDown

https://twitter.com/deadmandownfilm

Win A MOVIE 43 Prize Pack

MOVIE 43 is not for a week stomach… and neither is this prize pack giveaway!

In Relativity Media’s new film MOVIE 43, comedy is served steaming hot by director Peter Farrelly of The Farrelly Brothers (Something About Mary, Dumb & Dumber) in one of the most original comedies ever made. This movie stars Terrence Howard, Elizabeth Banks, Emma Stone, Gerard Butler, Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Halle Berry and many more like you’ve never seen them before… and to celebrate WAMG is giving away a MOVIE 43 prize pack. Check it out!

PRIZE PACK INCLUDES:

Branded hat
Branded baseball t-shirt
Branded underwear
Poster
$30 Fandango gift card
Toilet mug

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES.

2. SEND YOUR FULL NAME and ANSWER TO: melissa@wearemoviegeeks.com.

3. Out of all of the stars featured in MOVIE 43, who are you most excited to see?

WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PRIZES WILL NOT BE SUBSTITUTED OR EXCHANGED.

From the twisted minds of producers Peter Farrelly (Hall Pass, Shallow Hal) and Charles Wessler (There’s Something About Mary, Dumb & Dumber), comes Movie 43– the outrageous new ensemble comedy starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Movie 43 is not for the easily-offended and contains jaw-dropping, sometimes shockingly disturbing, but always entertaining intertwined storylines you’ll have to see to believe.

Relativity Media’s must see outrageous comedy MOVIE 43 stars Elizabeth Banks, Kristen Bell, Halle Berry, Leslie Bibb, Kate Bosworth, Gerard Butler, Bobby Cannavale, Kieran Culkin, Josh Duhamel, Anna Faris, Richard Gere, John Hodgman, Terrence Howard, Hugh Jackman, Johnny Knoxville, Justin Long, Stephen Merchant, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloë Grace Moretz, Chris Pratt, Liev Schreiber, Seann William Scott, Emma Stone, Jason Sudeikis, Uma Thurman, Naomi Watts, and Kate Winslet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/WhatIsMovie43

Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/WhatIsMovie43

Tumblr Page: whatismovie43.tumblr.com

MOVIE 43 is in theaters now

First Look At Relativity Media’s 21 AND OVER And Gerard Butler In MOVIE 43

A few new pictures as you wind down the week for Relativity Media’s two upcoming comedies.

Outrageousness ensues in this first photo of Miles Teller, Justin Chon, and Skylar Astin from 21 AND OVER. Straight-A college student Jeff Chang has always done what’s expected of him. But when his two best friends Casey and Miller surprise him with a visit for his 21st birthday, he decides to do the unexpected for a change, even though his critical medical school interview is early the next morning. What was supposed to be one beer becomes one night of chaos, over indulgence and utter debauchery.

21 AND OVER opens in theaters on March 1, 2013. For the latest news and updates, be sure to Like the 21 AND OVER Facebook Page.

Are you ready to see Gerard Butler’s lucky charms?

Catch a wave of the actor’s transformation from surf sensation to wee little leprechaun in Relativity Media’s upcoming comedy, MOVIE 43. This foul mouthed leprechaun isn’t chasing rainbows in this hilarious flick alongside an all-star cast starring Elizabeth Banks, Kristen Bell, Halle Berry, Leslie Bibb, Kate Bosworth, Gerard Butler, Bobby Cannavale, Kieran Culkin, Josh Duhamel, Anna Faris, Richard Gere, John Hodgman, Terrence Howard, Hugh Jackman, Johnny Knoxville, Justin Long, Stephen Merchant, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloë Grace Moretz, Chris Pratt, Liev Schreiber, Seann William Scott, Emma Stone, Jason Sudeikis, Uma Thurman, Naomi Watts, and Kate Winslet.

Warning: This movie is not for the weak-stomached, faint of heart, or easily offended. From the twisted minds of producers Peter Farrelly (Hall Pass, Shallow Hal) and Charles Wessler (There’s Something About Mary, Dumb & Dumber), MOVIE 43 opens in theaters nationwide on January 25th, 2013.

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/WhatIsMovie43
Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/WhatIsMovie43

Garrett Hedlund, Richard Jenkins, Jennifer Hudson, Terrence Howard, Amy Adams Cast In Andrew Levitas’ LULLABY

Garrett Hedlund (TRON: LEGACY, COUNTRY STRONG, and the upcoming ON THE ROAD and INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS), Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins (THE VISITOR), Jessica Brown Findlay (PBS’ “Downton Abbey”), Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson (DREAMGIRLS), Oscar nominee Terrence Howard and three-time Oscar nominee Amy Adams (THE FIGHTER) will star in acclaimed fine artist Andrew Levitas’ comedy/drama LULLABY. It was announced today by Mimi Steinbauer, President and CEO of Radiant Films International, and producers Andrea Stone-Brokaw of Ananta Productions and Cary Brokaw (THE PLAYER, SHORT CUTS, ANGELS IN AMERICA, CLOSER) of Avenue Pictures. Radiant Films will be offering the film to international buyers of the Cannes Film Market.

Levitas will direct the feature film from his own script which is set to start shooting in June 2012 in New York City. The Producers are in discussion with several domestic distributors but the North American rights have not been licensed.

Filled with considerable comedic beats, LULLABY explores the power of life, its transformative moments and reconnections between loved ones. Estranged from his family, Jonathan (Hedlund) receives word that his father, Robert (Jenkins), who has been fighting illness for over a decade has chosen to take himself off life support in less than forty-eight hours. What follows is an unexpected journey of love, laughter, and forgiveness.

“Andrea and Cary have assembled a truly stellar cast for this life affirming tale of family and love. And in Andrew Levitas’ visionary hands LULLABY will unquestionably be an exciting film” said Steinbauer.

“Andrew Levitas has written a remarkable script and created a story that is as funny as it is moving and a part of life that everyone can identify with.” said Stone-Brokaw and Brokaw.

Hedlund made his leading breakout role in Disney’s action blockbuster TRON: LEGACY opposite Jeff Bridges before starring in COUNTRY STRONG opposite Gwyneth Paltrow. He will next star in Walter Salles’ Cannes 2012 Official Selector ON THE ROAD, where he co-starred with Adams alongside Kristen Stewart, Kirsten Dunst and Viggo Mortensen and the Coen Brothers’ INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS opposite Carey Mulligan and Justin Timberlake, currently in post-production.

Jenkins will next be seen opposite Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta and James Gandolfini in KILLING THEM SOFTLY which will world premiere in the Official Selection of the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. He received an Oscar nomination for his performance in THE VISITOR and can currently be seen in theatres in the box office horror hit THE CABIN IN THE WOODS for Lionsgate and Lawrence Kasdan’s DARLING COMPANION opposite Mark Duplass and Diane Keaton. His other upcoming films include Sundance hit LIBERAL ARTS, Robert Redford’s THE COMPANY YOU KEEP and ONE SHOT opposite Tom Cruise for Paramount Pictures.

Findlay can currently be seen playing Lady Sybil Crawley on the popular PBS series “Downton Abbey”. She was nominated last year for a British Independent Award for Most Promising Newcomer for her lead performance in IFC FILMS’ ALBATROSS opposite Felicity Jones. She has several films in the works including WINTER’S TALE opposite Will Smith, Russell Crowe and Colin Farrell for Warner Bros Pictures, John McKay’s NOT ANOTHER HAPPY ENDING and the comedy SHOPLIFTERS OF THE WORLD.

Hudson won the hearts of millions and an Academy Award for her electrifying performance in DREAMGIRLS. She also starred in THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES and in the upcoming WINNIE.

Howard was nominated for Best Actor for his acclaimed performance in HUSTLE & FLOW. He also starred in FOUR BROTHERS, THE HUNTING PARTY, THE BRAVE ONE and IRON MAN. His upcoming films include Robert Redford’s THE COMPANY YOU KEEP and Niels Arden Oplev’s DEAD MAN DOWN opposite Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace.

Adams is one of today’s most versatile actresses with three Oscar nominations under the belt, most recently for the Oscar winning THE FIGHTER opposite Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale and DOUBT opposite Meryl Streep. Last year she starred in Disney’s mega box office hit THE MUPPETS and will next be seen in ON THE ROAD, set for release through IFC Films and Sundance Selects in late Fall 2012. Her other upcoming films include TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE opposite Clint Eastwood, Paul Thomas Anderson’s THE MASTER co-starring Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman and Zac Snyder’s highly anticipated MAN OF STEEL for Warner Bros. Pictures in 2013.

Levitas is an internationally recognized artist. His paintings have exhibited world-wide, including the prestigious Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts 2008 exhibition at the Louvre. He is also a highly acclaimed photographer and creator of the photographic process Metalwork Photography. His work has been featured in the world’s top photographic journals as well as garnered attention through sales at the top auction houses and Museums worldwide. Levitas also recently produced the Fox Searchlight release THE ART OF GETTING by that made its debut at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

Andrea Stone-Brokaw is a highly respected producer and casting director with a body of experience working in film communities the world over. She worked as Executive Vice President of Production for Viking Film based in Norway. Upon returning to Los Angeles she focused on her career as a casting director and has cast over 25 feature films working on films in the U.S., Spain, Australia and the U.K. She has cast many stars in some of their early leading roles including Colin Firth, Kevin Spacey, Benecio Del Toro, Viggo Mortensen, Josh Brolin, Matthew McConaughey, Vince Vaughn, and Patricia Clarkson. She was the resident casting director for Avenue Pictures from 1995 to 2000. Andrea has over ten films and two television series in development.

Cary Brokaw of Avenue Pictures is a two time Emmy award winning producer who won for HBO’s mini-series “Angels in America” starring Al Pacino, Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson and Mike Nichols’ “Wit”. His film credits include the Oscar nominated CLOSER starring Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, Clive Owen, and directed by Mike Nichols, MERCHANT OF VENICE, starring Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons, and THE PLAYER, SHORT CUTS, and DRUGSTORE COWBOY are among his many other films.

Media House Capital and Three Point Capital are co-financing the film. Aaron L. Gilbert is an Executive Producer and Patrick Murray is a co-Executive Producer.

3rd Trailer For George Lucas’ RED TAILS Flies In

20th Century Fox has released a new, exhilarating trailer and an old-school poster for RED TAILS starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard.

Synopsis:

1944. As the war in Europe continues to take its toll on Allied forces, the Pentagon brass has no recourse but to consider unorthodox options – including the untried and untested African-American pilots of the experimental Tuskegee training program. Just as the young Tuskegee men are on the brink of being shut down and shipped back home, they are given the ultimate chance to show their courage. Against all the odds, with something to prove and everything to lose, these intrepid young airmen take to the skies to fight for their country – and the fate of the free world.

In theaters on January 20, 2012, RED TAILS also stars Bryan Cranston, David Oyelowo, Kevin Phillips, Nate Parker, Daniela Ruah, Michael B. Jordan, Tristan Wilds, Cliff Smith, and Rick Otto.

Visit the film’s official site: http://www.redtails2012.com

“Like” it on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RedTails

Follow it on Twitter: @RedTailsMovie

Brand New RED TAILS Trailer & Poster

Featuring some spectacular dogfights, watch the brand new trailer for RED TAILS – the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American pilots to fly in a combat squadron during World War II (via MTV Movies Blog)

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Synopsis:

1944. As the war in Europe continues to take its toll on Allied forces, the Pentagon brass has no recourse but to consider unorthodox options – including the untried and untested African-American pilots of the experimental Tuskegee training program. Just as the young Tuskegee men are on the brink of being shut down and shipped back home, they are given the ultimate chance to show their courage. Against all the odds, with something to prove and everything to lose, these intrepid young airmen take to the skies to fight for their country – and the fate of the free world.

With the story from George Lucas and a screenplay by John Ridley, RED TAILS is scheduled to land in theaters January 20, 2012.

“Like” the film on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RedTails

Follow it on Twitter: http://twitter.com/redtailsmovie

Review: THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG

Ron Clements and John Musker return to Disney to bring fans the newest in their constantly growing vault of animated classics. The duo that most recently brought us HERCULES and TREASURE PLANET, both of which were far less popular than most Disney animated productions, also deserve credit for two of the most popular ones… THE LITTLE MERMAID and ALADDIN.

The story loosely follows the traditional story, but replaces the princess of the title with a hard-working young woman from New Orleans, a woman with little money and no royalty. Tiana, voiced by Anika Noni Rose, has a dream since her childhood of opening the grandest restaurant in New Orleans with her father. She carries this dream on her back, working two jobs as a waitress and saving every little penny she earns to one day realize her dreams.

Her best friend since childhood is Charlotte, voiced by Jennifer Cody. Charlotte is not a princess either, but rather the hyper-spoiled daughter of “Big Daddy” La Bouff, voiced by John Goodman. Charlotte is not the typical stuck-up rich girl, but rather an excitable young woman obsessed with her own dream of marrying a prince, which has gestated in her mind since Tiana’s mother read fairy tale stories to them as little girls.

When the handsome young Prince Naveen, voiced by Bruno Campos, arrives in town, Charlotte sees the key to making her dream come true. With her father tightly wrapped around her finger, Charlotte arranges to have Naveen invited to a special masquerade party during Mardi Gras with hopes of planting the seeds of marital bliss within the heart of the prince. Unfortunately, the evil Dr. Facilier, voiced by Keith David, seizes the opportunity to manipulate and con Naveen and his jealous, rotund butler Lawrence (Peter Bartlett).

Herein lies the twist. Naveen becomes a frog by way of Dr. Facilier’s voo doo, Charlotte is bamboozled into swooning over a false Prince Naveen and Tiana is mistaken for a princess, thus turning her into a frog as well when she kisses the slimy… I mean mucus-secreting green amphibian with royal blood. This sparks a journey by the two into the swamps of the deep bayou, in hopes of correcting their unfortunate transformations.

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG is interesting in it’s design approach, because it melds the two distinctly different styles into one new feature film. Clements and Musker manage to reincorporate the classic feel of older Disney animated films with their own style. This throwback to a bygone era of Disney is accessorized with a return to the traditional song-and-dance spectacle that made LITTLE MERMAID and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST so successful.

For those who prefer less of the song-and-dance, THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG may still be a quality choice. The musical portions of the film are kept at a comfortable and acceptable minimum, a total of eight, if my count is correct. The original music was written by Randy Newman, a name synonymous with success in this arena. Overall, the music is very accomplished, entertaining and smart. Well-written songs aren’t always par for the course in Disney films, but this one would definitely be an exception.

The song “Down in New Orleans” which is Louis the alligator’s shining moment, is a wonderful jazzy brass production with dynamite energy. Dr. Facilier’s musical moment of darkness “Friends on the Other Side” is devilishly detailed and colorful. All the songs achieve their purpose, but the most marvelous musical production of the film would have to be Mama Odie’s “Dig a Little Deeper” which is influenced by the big vocals of southern gospel. The song is lyrically and musically superb.

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG offers comedy as well as adventure, which any good children’s movie should. During their quest to find the powerful voo doo queen Mama Odie, voiced by Jennifer Lewis, Tiana and Naveen make some friends in a jazz trumpet playing alligator named Louis (Michael Leon-Wooley) and a Cajun firefly named Raymond (Jim Cummings).

Rose and Campos get the job done in their starring roles, but the gem performances come from the supporting cast. Tiana’s parents have a small role in the film, but are given quality moments. Oprah Winfrey voices Tiana’s mother Eudora and Terrence Howard voices her father James. John Goodman gives “Big Daddy” La Bouff a friendly a familiar persona with a thick southern accent, while relative newcomer Jennifer Cody brings Charlotte to life, filled with charming glee and innocently mischievous optimism, if not a tad exaggerated, but in a purely enjoyable way. She’s quite the little firecracker!

Overall, THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG is a good piece of family film with a fairly standard but solid message, a return to quality animation and a sure-fire contender for Academy Award consideration for Best Original Song.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

MOVIE 43 is in theaters now

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: