The Emperor's New Groove (David Spade, John Goodman)
Kuzco:Let me guess. We're about to go over a huge waterfall. Pacha: Yep. Kuzco: Large sharp jagged rocks at the bottom? Pacha: Most probably. Kuzco: Bring it on.
If you're planning on watching The Emperor's New Groove, I have some excellent advice to give. Turn the videotape/DVD off at the two thirds mark. This movie's conclusion is so by-the-numbers Disney-style, I can almost guarantee it will ruin the experience for you.
What sets Groove apart from so many other animated offerings is its relentless ironic humour, drenched in silliness and unexpectedly chuckle-worthy one-liners. The Emperor in question is voiced by none other than David Spade, who has finally found a home for the dead-pan sarcasm that never seems to work in his live-action features. Spade is marvelous here as a selfish ruler named Kuzco who plans to pave paradise by building a theme park (Kuzcotopia) on a lowly llama rancher's land. The peasant rancher is Pacha and is voiced by John Goodman. He gradually befriends the emperor after Kuzco is turned into a llama by an embittered servant (Eartha Kitt). Their romps together are like Lethal Weapon meets Looney Tunes, and it's a testament to the numerous Disney animators and particularly to director Mark Dindal that it doesn't necessarily cater to little kids only. As they jump from one escape to another, there are lots of great jokes, but many of them are forgotten once the story decompresses into a standard Disney plot, including a scene where the vial that will turn Kuzco back to a person again is knocked all over the place before finally ending up in the right hands.
Just as with 1991's Aladdin, the movie is set many years ago, but interjects lots of modern throwaways and anachronisms. Even Tom Jones stops by at the film's beginning and conclusion. Far and away the funniest character of the lot is Kronk, Eartha Kitt's devoted meathead follower. As voiced by Patrick Warburton, his is a jock stereotype carried to the nth degree, with just the right blend of innocence and ironic calmness that makes him a likable villain.
It's interesting to note that The Emperor's New Groove doesn't have a musical score in the traditional sense, nor does it have furry animal friends of nature chirping their advice to Pacha and Kuzco. The dialogue takes centre stage and keeps things fresh even in the slower scenes.
You won't be missing much if you skip this movie. But to recap: Fun flick, great for adults and kids. First two-thirds good, last third bad.
