'The Emperor's New Groove'—A Movie Review

Be warned. If you throw off the emperor’s groove you’ll be turned into a llama.

The Emperor’s New Groove was released in 2000. The selfish emperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his evil adviser. Avoiding peril, Kuzco must put his trust in Pacha, a peasant, to help him regain his throne. Along the way, Kuzco learns a valuable lesson about kindness, selflessness, and friendship.

I cannot believe that it has been almost two decades since The Emperor’s New Groove hit theaters. I still remember laughing at all the funny jokes, being on the edge of my seat during the footbridge sequence, and even dancing in my seat to the catchy tunes when I was just five years old!

The Emperor’s New Groove is such an underrated Disney movie! The characters, story, and humor make this movie a fun film to watch over and over. No matter how many times I have seen it, I never get tired of it. It’s a great story for all ages, and it has a very thoughtful moral.

Voice work is splendid. Credits include David Spade (Emperor Kuzco), John Goodman (Pacha), the late Eartha Kitt (Yzma), Patrick Warburton (Kronk), Wendie Malick (Chicka), and many other incredible voice talents to add comedic elements to this warm and profound story.

Voice acting is a unique business as you have to reach your voice to new levels, and actually act as if you are struggling to climb a mountain. Dialogue is so clever and witty. Each character has a distinct voice adding in layers to their character.

Emperor’s New Groove is littered with a number of wonderful scenes from start to finish. It’s easy to feel downcast when the movie has to come to an end. One of my favorite scenes is when Pacha and Kusco have to trust each other, and walk up the cliff-side just by holding each other up.

Pacha is one of Disney’s most endearing characters. He always gives others a chance, believes that there is some good in everyone, and never abandons anyone. The way he interacts with both his family, and other characters makes him a great example to look up to. No other actor could have voiced Pacha like the incredible John Goodman.

Kuzco knows how to make an entrance. We don’t spend a lot of time on Kuzco’s past, but we easily get the way he is just from a couple of short scenes. He genuinely learns his lesson and changes.

I love Pacha and Kuzco’s friendship. It’s so heartwarming, especially for Kuzco who finds a father figure in Pacha. Their teamwork, banter, and emotion drive this film to what it is. More films need characters like Pacha and Kusco.

Yzma is one of the best villains ever. You don’t see a female villain in movies every day. She and the fun-loving Kronk give the story the best chemistry. Admit it, you always do your own voice-over when Yzma orders Kronk to "Pull the lever." One of the best moments in film history!

The animation is outstanding. Animators did not miss a beat. The animation moves at a steady flow. Honestly, with the live action renditions of Disney films happening right now, I hope that The Emperor’s New Groove is not touched. This film stands out as a work of art.

If you’re looking for a laugh, Emperor’s New Groove is the right film. Kronk has some of the best lines and scenes in the film. The story moves at a steady pace, and even uses well-timed meaningful callbacks.

The Emperor’s New Groove is a unique film with emotional layers and comedic elements. It is appropriate for children of all ages. Even as an adult, Emperor’s New Groove never gets old.

Get your groove and watch this film if you have not seen it yet.