Well, it’s been a long time since I did one of these, but I thought it was high time I got back to blogging about the amazing songs one can find in Disney’s animated films. And I decided to start with a film that I really should have covered several years ago back when the blog is new and that’s The Princess and the Frog. This 2009 film is an update of the classic tale of a prince turned into a frog, all set in the city of New Orleans. Show There were a number of songs I could’ve started with in this film, but I decided to start with my favorite: “Friends on the Other Side.” This is the song that introduces Dr. Facilier, the film’s villain, to the story and sets Naveen’s dilemma (being turned into a frog) into motion. This song has striking similarities to “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid, in that Dr. Facilier is offering Naveen a deal in exchange for what the prince thinks he wants and he uses his magical voodoo powers to make it happen. Watch for yourself: Keith David absolutely kills it as Dr. Facilier. Like any good Disney villain, Dr. Facilier oozes charm and menace in equal proportions and this song shows off both sides. Also, like any classic villain, Dr. Facilier cannot STAND to be disrespected, which is made pointedly clear in the beginning of the song: Don’t you disrespect me, little man
Sit down at my table I can read your future I got voodoo, I got
hoodoo,
Now while Dr. Facilier might initially come off as a charlatan (indeed Lawrence accuses him of being as much right before the song starts), what’s coming up with the cards implies that there really is some magic at work here. Note how Facilier twists the images to match everything Naveen seemingly wants (namely, money, which he’s currently cut off from until he gets married).
And if the similarity to “Poor Unfortunate Souls” wasn’t already clear, that last line above from Facilier to Naveen about the latter being cut off from his money is another callback, because it reminds me very much of the comments Ursula made during her song (Remember her “Pathetic” line?)
It’s the green, it’s the green But it’s this last verse below that really makes things interesting. Dr. Facilier is pulling double duty in this song, as not only is he offering a deal to Naveen, he’s also offering one to Lawrence, Naveen’s butler. Pay close attention to Lawrence’s reactions in this last verse, as it quickly becomes clear that the butler isn’t nearly as loyal as he looks (more like Edgar from The Aristocats than Grimsby from The Little Mermaid if you get my drift). On you little man, I don’t want to waste much time Shake my hand, c’mon on boys
One last note, I find it really cool how Dr. Facilier transforms his face to do his voodoo magic. It’s a simple transition but oh so effective. Plus, it makes Facililer ten times scarier. Also, I can’t help but notice the fear on poor Naveen’s face once he’s tied up by the magical snakes, he realizes far too late that he’s in way over his head.
Naveen:
You’re changing, you’re changing,
It’s really interesting how the film holds off from showing the result of Naveen’s transformation (even though the trailer kind of gives it away). Lawrence’s reaction is really telling: even though he’s basically agreed to betray his master, I don’t think he was expecting THIS. He’s clearly spooked by Facilier’s voodoo and probably wondering something along the lines of “What on EARTH have I gotten myself into??” And there you have it, my thoughts on “Friends on the Other Side” from The Princess and the Frog. It felt nice to get back to reviewing Disney songs and I can’t wait to do more. See also: Disney/Dreamworks/Pixar/etc. Soundtracks A-Z Become a Patron of the blog at patreon.com/musicgamer460 Check out the YouTube channel (and consider hitting the subscribe button) Don’t forget to like Film Music Central on Facebook Who are Dr facilier's friends?Facilier's friends on the Other Side are major antagonists in Disney's 2009 animated feature film, The Princess and the Frog. They are a sinister legion of loa (spirits) who aid the villainous Dr. Facilier in his plot to rule New Orleans.
Who is the sidekick in Princess and the Frog?Ray – The Princess and the Frog
Perhaps one of the sweetest, most endearing sidekicks, Ray is so much more than a firefly hopelessly in love with Evangeline, a star in the nighttime sky.
What movie is friends on the other side from?The Princess and the FrogFriends on the Other Side / Movienull
What is the moral lesson of The Princess and the Frog?The globally popular story of the 'Princess and the Frog' is a fairy tale that carries a wonderful moral. The moral is to accept everyone regardless of their looks! This bedtime story is about a prince who is cursed by a witch and turned into a frog.
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