My Movie Review on The Emperor’s New Groove · 3:17pm May 5th, 2019
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.
Dude, I watched this all the time when I was, like, six. And I loved it nonetheless. But it gets better with time. Like wine. Or Lego games. But how would I know, I've never drunk wine.
Honestly, I found Yzma too silly to be all that intimidating. Just the sheer amount of energy put into her character was an almost nagging reminder that she is lower deck Disney Villian.
Is it just me or does she give off Cruella DeVille vibes?
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I can see the Cruella vibes as well.
I loved this movie because of how much it can make me smile, especially Kronk.
I watched this movie when I was little and I loved it. The humor and quotes are the biggest highlights in the whole movie.
I’ve never seen this before, but I’ve heard of it. It sounds really good, especially now that I’ve seen this review! I’ll definitely watch it someday!
This film is comedy standard in my family, its part of our language nowadays. You are right about everything!
I haven't seen this movie in LONG time.
I'll always remember John Goodman as sully
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I will admit that to this day: Kuzco remains my least favorite protagonist in Disney, not because he's more for the teen-lineup but just his overall bratty personality that makes Mowgli look tame. But I will admit David Spade appeared to have fun with this role and it's the other characters who more than make up for barely seeing any development in Kuzco (Let's face it: We never did know his upbringing or why he is as he is... Not even mentioned of neglected family). While I would've liked to see the feature in it's original format, which essentially was COMPLETELY different than this 'Looney Tunes' rendition, this story still has charm, it has many comedic elements, and looking passed it's initial flaws it's still a fun movie. It may not be the movie that fans essentially talk about when people think of Disney, but I do understand why it still 'barely' manages to hold a continued fanbase (At least enough for a sequel and T.V. series run anyway).
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You’re right. I agree with much of your opinions here.
Kuzco’s character development was excellent though. I love how he became a better person over time.
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'Eventually'. He 'did' trick Pacha with a 'false promise' and almost left him to fall off a cliff just so he can keep his intent on building his summer home (Though he DID save his life). And yet, I will also admit he did manage to find Pacha and attempted to apologize after realizing he was wrong about Yzma and Kronk caring about him (But mostly about Yzma). I don't know... Something about his initial tone prevented me from feeling for the guy and it didn't help Zephyr Breeze had the 'same' portrayal.
But overtime, I learned that while I will 'never' like Kuzco as a protagonist... I learned to 'tolerate' that he 'did' manage some good in his life and that he 'still' has fans.
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Is kuzco voice that the problem
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It's 'not' just his voice, that's being TOO narrow.
Initially: Egotistical, selfish, snobby, pompous, lazy, comically conceited, arrogant, whiny, rude, greedy, narcissistic, sarcastic, sassy, cocky, cheeky, stubborn.
Okay, so he does end up 'mostly nice' later on... But you can see why I figured he was more of an antagonist initially than that of the protagonist.
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So how do you like a jerk character which is very difficult to do
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I DON'T KNOW!!!
*Sighs* Come on, Mr. Ribbert, I don't know 'everything'. I guess it 'just' happens. Unless someone can justify someone's behavior with a rash, logical reasoning that's how most writers think: It just... Happens.
It's lazy, I know, even I don't understand it... But I guess there might be something that can be done.
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Sorry
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No, no... It's fine. I'm just stressed.
Had a whole bunch of material prepared for my review and stupid me somehow lost it all.
Now I have to start the whole review from scratch... Again!
This was based on "The Ass" (subsequently called "The Golden Ass" becsuse it got so popular), a story by the Roman author Apulius. They just changed the setting to Mesoerica.
There's also a reference to Lampwick's transformation in Disney's Pinocchio
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How do you know?
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'Cause I read "The Golden Ass" in translation.
It's about a snotty and self-centered young nobleman who, due to a mixup involving witches and potions, turns into a donkey, and has to suffer and learn humility through many misadventures so he can be transformed back into a man again.
The influence is obvious--not least because the story was an immediate hit in the late Roman empire and never lost popularity, even through the Middle Ages (hence the appellation "golden"). With the advent of printed books it became, through translation into various languages, part of Western pop culture, influencing Bottom's transformation in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and Carlo Collodi's original Pinocchio, in which Pinocchio himself turns into a donkey.
Disney's version spared Pinocchio complete transformation. But it's still nightmare fuel:
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Oh.