My Movie Review on The Emperor's New Groove

Bueno Dias, my friends.

This is your friendly, as always, film and tv show reporter here with another review.

And today, I will be reviewing Disney’s “The Emperor’s New Groove”.

Here’s the summary:

When the bratty and absolutely spoiled Emperor Kuzco is accidentally turned into a llama, he is forced to seek help from a farmer named Pacha. With Pacha’s help, Kuzco must get back to the palace and find the antidote to change himself back into his human form.

Along the way, however, the two of them must avoid crossing paths with the villainous Yzma and her incompetent henchmen, Kronk. Yzma’s intentions, even with Kronk’s help, is to kill Kuzco so that she can ascend as empress.

I was particularly inspired to review this film based on some conversations I had with my Mom regarding this film, where we shared our differing of opinions. I also did some research on the story behind the film and became aware of the troubling production history behind it.

But you know what?

I think this film came out brilliantly and is one of the most fun Disney films I’ve watched. And that anyone can watch for that matter.

I will admit that the animation certainly isn’t as strong as several other animated films in Disney’s filmography, but, it’s still clever and well-made. And, as a film that’s made to be an all-out comedy reminiscent to ones such as the Looney Tunes and works by Tex Avery, the animation fits the whole thing perfectly.

The direction by Mark Dindal, and the story by him and Chris Williams, were additionally well-done.

When it came to the overall concept, I thought that it was very original. Granted, I do remember there being many other movies featuring people somehow getting turned into animals, but the way it was done in this film...was incredibly fun and fresh. The humor was also deeply enjoyable. As a matter of fact, I couldn’t help but find myself having fun with every joke and the way they were executed, and I’m pretty sure others will too. But most of all, the film has managed to retain the Disney heart and magic that makes the company’s animated films so special, particularly because it had so much emotion, heart, and moral.

On a side note, I’d like to additionally say that even though the film didn’t give an accurate depiction on Incan culture, what it did depict was still fun to see.

The music by John Debney was likewise enjoyable.

Debney's score had a comedic-flair to it, while unexpectedly having a certain edge and emotional resonance that fits with every moment. Even though it didn’t have very many songs in the film, David Hartley and Gordon Sumner’s work on “Perfect World” and “My Funny Friend and Me” was extremely accomplished, and the singing chops of Tom Jones (“Perfect World”) and Sting (“My Funny Friend and Me”) literally killed it.

The voice acting, casting, characters, and character development were fantastic as a plus, especially from the majors.

Without a doubt, John Goodman was able to make the character of Pacha one of his most iconic roles to date. His character’s lovable and good-natured personality makes him someone people can easily root for.

Eartha Kitt definitely deserved the “Annie Award” for “Individual Achievement in Voice Acting”. She literally nailed every line and moment she had as the character of Yzma. And in every way, she was able to make a ridiculous kind of character into something threatening and iconic. Yzma may not be anything like Ursula or Maleficent, but she totally proves herself as a villain.

David Spade and the character of Kuzco were furthermore enjoyable. To me, Spade owned every moment and comedic-timing his character had, and only he could make something fun out of a bratty, selfish, sarcastic, and self-centered character. Kuzco’s character development is what I’d like to call one of the very best in a Disney film. I love how he was transformed from a spoiled brat that thinks the world is all about him...to someone who cares for others and looks out of them more than himself.

But, perhaps the best performer and character out of everyone...is Patrick Warburton and his character of Kronk. Kronk’s lovable and innocent personality as Yzma’s comic-relief henchman was an original step-up compared to previous character, like the hyenas in “The Lion King”. It’s mainly because unlike them, he isn’t downright evil. In addition, Warburton’s portrayal was dead-on awesome! He nailed every single moment his character had, completely stealing the show!

Before I conclude this review, however, I’d like to say that despite how much I highly commend this film, I find that the movie is something that’s much more suited for teens, pre-teens, and adults.

Here’s why:

• Kuzco’s behavior in the first half doesn’t really make him a good role model for children under 10.

• Yzma’s character design is, as anyone would say, “Scary beyond all reason”.

• The plot and humor is too dark and adult for children under 10. In this case, it isn’t the most appropriate film for them to see.

In conclusion, though, despite the things I mentioned just now, this movie is unexpectedly one of Disney’s best films, especially from the early 2000s. It’s absolutely perfect for people ten and up to see. Much of the credit for making this film so special goes to its superb cast, characters, creative storyline, and humor.

So, I rate “The Emperor’s New Groove” five out of five stars, the rating being as a film specifically for teens, pre-teens, and adults.