Classics: A Review of The Emperor's New Groove By Lauren Ennis

 With the arrival of the new millennium came new trends in media and the end of the "Disney Renaissance".  In an effort to compete with emerging rivals and changing tastes Disney entered an experimental phase which produced some its most original but underrated works. One of those efforts is The Emperor's New Groove. Functioning as both an amiable buddy comedy and a clever spoof of Disney's own fairytale fare the film is easily one of the most inventive, rewatchable, and un-Disney films that the studio ever produced. Get the whole family into the groove with Pacha and Kuzco in The Emperor's New Groove.

The story begins with spoiled young emperor Kuzco going about his privileged life in an unnamed Mezoamerican kingdom. During a meeting with local farmer Pacha he reveals his plans to seize Pacha's land in order to build himself a summer palace. The callous Kuzco is unmoved by Pacha's pleas and insists on moving forward with his plan even though it would displace Pacha's family. Kuzco's carefree existence is thrown into chaos, however, when he is poisoned by his adviser in retaliation for his firing her. The attempted assassination is foiled, however, by the fact that Yzma's hapless henchman, Kronk, gave Kuzco the wrong poison, leaving the emperor alive but transformed into a llama. After Kronk abandons him in a nearby jungle, Kuzco is left to fend for himself for the first time in his life. Deprived of his power, wealth, and human body, he is rendered utterly helpless. When he crosses paths with Pacha the two set out on an adventure to restore Kuzco to his throne with plenty of hijinks along the way. 

Although critics and audiences were unsure to make of it upon it release The Emperor's New Groove has since gained a cult following. The studio not only abandoned its tried and true fairy tale formula but actually spoofed it. While the films of the Disney Renaissance often portrayed cursed princes and princesses in distress The Emperor's New Groove explores these elements only to slyly subvert them. Whereas viewers are meant to empathize with and root for the cursed prince in Beauty and the beast Kuzco is presented as deserving his curse. Similarly, while viewers yearn to see The Lion King's Simba restored to his throne viewers will cringe at even the thought of Kuzco holding a position of power. Through its depiction of a blatantly flawed protagonist the film offers a more realistic and ultimately memorable character who will challenge viewers as much as he entertains them. The film's slapstick humor also marks a stark departure from the studio' ususal fare. In this way, the film offers an edgier, alternative that will appeal to children and adults alike. Even as it ventures into Looney Toons territory the film maintains plenty of heart and relates valuable lessons in friendship, self-sacrifice, and empathy that will  resonate long after the film's final credits roll.

The film transports viewers to its madcap world thanks to the comedic gold that is the vocal cast. Wendi Malick serves up plenty of sass as Pacha's Alice Kramden-esque wife, Chica. Patrick Warburton manages to make Kronk one of cinema's most entertaining and surprisingly likeable villains. Eartha Kitt's magnetic turn as snarkily sinister Yzma is criminally underrated. John Goodman blends gentle humor with decency to expert effect as put upon farmer, Pacha. David Spade offers up one of the most complex protagonists in all of Disney's history as the by turns callous and comical Kuzco.

The Emperor's New Groove is easily one of Disney's riskiest efforts Disney ever made, and it more than pays off. The script serves up LooneyToons-style shenanigans while simultaneously satirizing Disney's own fairy tale formula. Even at its zaniest, the film offers plenty of heart and valuable lessons. The work of the vocal cast brilliantly brings each of the characters to whimsical, endearing, and endlessly rewatcheable life. Get your groove back  in the Emperor's Groove.