The Frog Prince
Low-budget musical fairy-tale adaptation with a mean sister.
Parents say
Based on 2 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Frog Prince is a harmless, but charmless adaptation of an old tale which actually bears little resemblance to the traditional story. There are a few mildly suspenseful moments, and the Frog with his perpetual wide, gleeful grin and green coloring could be scary for very young or sensitive kids.
Community Reviews
A peaceful movie is too dull
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What's the Story?
The Kingdom of Tartonia awaits a visit from an important baron who will determine which of the king's adopted nieces is the "real princess" and heiress to the throne. Twelve-year-old Zora (Aileen Quinn) is lonely, self-conscious, and in desperate need of approval. Her beautiful, but mean, older sister Henrietta (a young Helen Hunt) is out to undermine Zora in every way. When a lively, human-sized frog (John Paragon) becomes Zora's unlikely friend, everything changes. Henrietta steps up her wicked quest to win the baron's favor and Zora, with her slimy new ally, begins to find the courage and self-confidence she never knew she had.
Is It Any Good?
This passable film is one in a series of low-budget fairy tales made in the 1980s by Cannon Films. All of the movies can be identified by their shoddy production values, poor acting, and forgettable, derivative musical numbers. THE FROG PRINCE is actually one of the better entries in the group because of an engaging performance by John Paragon as Ribbit, the Frog.
Still, the characters are one-dimensional; the story is silly, predictable and unrelated to the traditional tale; and there's very little wit or charm to be found.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Henrietta as a bully. How did Zora deal with her sister? What finally made Zora effective? What are some things a person can do to stop bullying (including cyberbullying)?
The Baron had to decide which of the two sisters was a real princess. What qualities was he looking for? What qualities make someone special?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: October 5, 1986
- Cast: Aileen Quinn, Helen Hunt
- Director: Jackson Hunsicker
- Studio: Cannon Films
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Friendship
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: March 3, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Princess and the Frog
First African American Disney princess is a good role model.
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Beauty and the Beast
Disney fave has great music, strong messages, some scares.
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The Swan Princess
Classic story is less scary than most animated fairy tales.
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Tangled
Fantastic princess adventure is fun, with great messages.
For kids who love musicals
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