Watch The Frog Prince

The Frog Prince is a beloved fairy-tale that has been retold countless times, and this 1986 film version is a charming interpretation of the classic story. Directed by Jackson Hunsicker, the movie stars John Paragon as the titular frog and Aileen Quinn as the princess who must prove her love for him in order to break the curse he is under.

The film opens with a prologue that sets up the magical world in which the story takes place. It is revealed that the kingdom is under a spell that causes people to forget about magic, which is why the frog's curse has gone unresolved for so long. We then meet the princess, who is a headstrong and independent young woman, much to the chagrin of her traditionalist father, the King. When the princess accidentally drops her golden ball into a pond, the frog retrieves it for her and demands that she keep her promise to let him stay with her in the palace.

What follows is a delightful series of scenes where the frog wreaks havoc in the castle as the princess tries to adjust to his presence. She tries to break the curse in various ways, including seeking the help of a wise old wizard, but nothing seems to work. Meanwhile, the frog keeps trying to win her affections in his own quirky way, such as serenading her with a ukulele.

Although the pacing of the film can be slow at times, it is a heartwarming and funny tale that will appeal to younger audiences. The frog is particularly endearing, thanks to John Paragon's excellent physical performance and voice work. Aileen Quinn also does a great job as the princess, balancing her character's initial reluctance with her eventual growing affection for the frog.

One of the highlights of the movie is the musical numbers, which add to the whimsical and magical tone of the story. The songs, written by Joe Raposo, are catchy and memorable, particularly "Love Will Carry Us Through". The film's score, composed by Robert Folk, is also lovely, with hints of Celtic and medieval influences.

While the movie stays true to the original fairy-tale by the Brothers Grimm, it does add some new elements to the story. For example, there is a subplot involving a group of trolls who bargain with the frog for his freedom. This adds a bit of extra conflict and suspense to the plot, and the trolls themselves are wonderfully designed and animated.

Overall, The Frog Prince is a delightful family movie that will entertain and charm viewers young and old. While it may not offer any groundbreaking or innovative storytelling, it is a fun and heartwarming rendition of a classic fairy-tale, with excellent performances and memorable music.