The Emperor's New Groove (2000) User Reviews

I'm 23 and I still LOVE this movie

[Petruchio · 8/10 · 20 September 2001]

Disney has done it again with a FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY (how many funnies is that? 4?...not enough) FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY (you get the point) movie.

Picture this. 2 friends and I walk into a local movie rental shop and start arguing over the NEW releases. Horror movie? No. Slasher flick? No. Drama? No. Etc, Etc, Etc. Finally, as if it were fate, we all walk into the Disney/Children section of the shop. One suggest "Emperors New Grove". The rest automatically agree... and we weren't disapointed.

David Spade is brilliant as the voice of the Emperor in this movie. His humour was definatly evident throughout the entirity. Speaking of the humour... it was funny. Ha, ha. Ain't I a kidder? Seriously though, I have to say that this is the funniest Disney movie that I've ever seen... and it's definaly because of the cast... who were brilliant in all their roles. There was a lot of adult humour in this one though. Nothing gross or sexually oriented or anything, but just grown up... intelligent... making it a fabulous watch.

If you haven't seen this, then I suggest you do... and soon.

Maybe not a Disney classic, but a hilarious original worth your time.

[Animany94 · 8/10 · 1 November 2017]

The Emperor's New Groove is enjoyable with plenty of laughs provided mainly by our villainess, Yzma, and her dim-witted sidekick, Kronk.

The comedy is also the movie's biggest strength along with its vocal cast. David Spade as emperor Kuzco gives this self-absorbed and bratty character a weird likability which is admirable. John Goodman as the peasant Pacha is pretty much your average John Goodman role, but he does that well. They are also good for some great laughs when they are together.

As I mentioned at first, Yzma and Kronk are simply hilarious. I slapped my thigh several times watching them. Eartha Kid and Patrick Warburton both do excellent voice-work.

Aside from the comedic proficiency I find it pretty average. The animation looks a lot like a Saturday afternoon show, but still better than the later 2D abomination of "Home On The Range" (2004).

The setting of the story is pretty original, but the story itself is kind of recycled, not bad, just an average "egotistical-asshole- learns-how-to-be-nice-to-others" story.

But what the hell. It works! The Emperor's New Groove is definitely worth your time.

Puts many newcomers to shame

[StevePulaski · 8/10 · 26 May 2012]

It is truly amazing what stemmed from The Emperor's New Groove, which at one point seemed like a doomed project. Originally titled Emperor in the Sun, the film was going to focus on a selfish emperor who optimistically switched positions with a peasant look-a-like who would later become the target of an evil witch's plan. She was going to summon a dark spirit to block out the sun to prevent her from aging, almost like a retelling of Dorian Gray.

The film developed an untold amount of stress for everyone involved. Producer Randy Fullmer was aggravated that production was moving at a snail's pace and was consistently rushing director, at that time, Roger Allers to speed along, offering him no extensions. The project had to be done as fast as possible in order to meet the strict summer 2000 deadline. Out of options, Disney hired the director Mark Dindal, who had worked on the musical Cats Don't Dance, one of the few animated films not to boast the Disney label, and both him and Allers developed very different story lines for the same film, one focusing on comedy (Dindal's) and one heavy drama and morals (Allers).

At the end of the day, Fullmer denied Allers an extension and he abandoned the project, leaving all the weight on Dindal's shoulders. The project did not make the summer 2000 deadline, but went on to be released during the wintertime of that same year, something one must applaud considering the treacherous state it was in for so long. What Dindal managed to do to a project that looked to be a lost cause from there on out is truly astonishing, proving that even the dustiest pieces of work can be polished off to look good. The Emperor's New Groove is a delightful film, occupying a concise runtime, unstoppable action scenes, and fierce and interesting characters rarely striking a wrong note.

The story focuses on Emperor Kuzco (voiced by David Spade), the selfish, manipulating emperor of the Inca Empire. After firing his adviser, Yzma (Kitt), her and her dim-witted assistant Kronk (Patrick Warburton, who also voices Joe Swanson from Family Guy) concoct a scheme to kill the Emperor by making him drink a poisonous potion. During a staged dinner, the potion gets switched and Kuzco is turned into an unattractive llama. Hidden inside the bag of Pacha (Goodman), one of the Emperor's peasants, the two realize they must work together, despite being on opposite ends of the food chain, to try and get Kuzco his position back.

It is pretty clear that the "he was a selfish man" story has been well-played out. It was just six years after this that the Pixar film Cars modified the formula and injected it with a nostalgic rush to put it to use. The story is moved along by its refusal to provide a heavy-handed moral or become bogged down with complications from such a simplistic story. This is a genial exercise in smooth, involving animated filmmaking, moved along by its action and its instantly lovable characters.

Also, there is something nice about returning to the wholesomeness of an animated picture from the early 2000's. Ever since the creation of full length CGI pictures, which all started with Toy Story in 1995, it appears hand drawn animation and claymation have been unfortunately pushed to the side, while the easier way is taken out. I love CGI animated features, especially the ones from Pixar, but really, how much of the candy-coated colors and the overly cheery atmosphere can you healthily stomach? The early 2000's animation is one of the few successful hybrids, perfectly blending the simplicity of animation with the digitized color enhanced textures.

This is also an elegant reminder to parents and teens who enjoy nostalgia that 3D is a tainted gimmick. Here, the characters pretty much gleefully jump off the screen as if boundaries have been shredded, and they are so lively even without the dim colors or the extra dimension. This is the kind of animated feature Disney should be striving for, and they would be much closer to their competition at Pixar.

The Emperor's New Groove is animated slapstick, and functions inside such a rare formula so well. It is elegantly voice acted, expertly animated, and it is nothing but surprising that a picture that one seemed doomed has now gone on to be such a remarkable picture.

Voiced by: David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, and Patrick Warburton. Directed by: Mark Dindal.

High Praise For This 'Kids' Film

[ccthemovieman-1 · 9/10 · 12 March 2006]

You've often heard the sales pitch, "adults will love it, too!" almost always referring to a kids' movie and in particularly, an animated movie for children. Well, in this case I agree. Even as a middle-aged adult, I enjoyed this.

The dialog is adult-friendly but at the same time not coarse or crude with no sexual innuendos, no profanity or even a hint of it. Yet, it's hip with some very clever lines.

The story is interesting and offers a few unique twists. David Spade does a fabulous job narrating, has a very pleasing voice, one that's fun to hear. I actually do think adults would like this more than children.

Hurrah! Perfection.

[Spleen · 10/10 · 29 March 2001]

Hard to see why it wasn't a wildly popular mega-hit - I have two theories, one charitable, one not. The charitable theory is that people were put off by the title. MY heart certainly sank when I heard it. I mean, just say it out loud - "The Emperor's New Groove" - now how could a good movie POSSIBLY have a title like that?

Yet now, I rather like the title. It fits the story; it doesn't care if it's fashionable or not; it's just so pleasingly RIGHT - but in an almost indescribable way you'll have to watch the film to find out. Maybe it WAS a marketing mistake. Who cares? I never took seriously the charge that Disney's artistic decisions were made by its marketing department, anyway.

That was the charitable explanation for why it made considerably less, inflation adjusted, than every other one of Disney's animated features from "Beauty and the Beast" on, and failed to even get nominated for a "Best Picture" Oscar in a year in which they had difficulty coming up with half-plausible candidates. The uncharitable explanation is probably closer to the truth. People are idiots. This is a classic - but it's also animated - by pencil on paper rather than finger on keyboard - so who will ever notice?

Doubt me? You won't once you've seen it. Everyone to speak of who did reports that it's very, very funny, and they're right - and trust me, nothing is ever THIS funny unless it's clever and witty as well. It goes without saying that their character animation is unmatched in its brilliance and ... I've already used the words "humour" and "wit"? Well, I'll use them again. In addition there's a charming dottiness that a merely hip film could never quite capture. Art direction is perfectly judged and consistent throughout, with a pleasing absence of because-we-can computer effects.

Here's just ONE example of what I'm talking about. One side of the emperor's palace consists of this HUGE golden face, and we find out in a funny scene (but they're all funny) that all excess water is drained out through the nostrils. But that's not all we see. We see characters crawling out of the nostrils, we see someone dangling like a big booger on a rope out of one of the nostrils - one snot gag after another - yet no explicit camerawork ever draws our attention to them. Not only do the characters deliver their lines perfectly deadpan, the camera delivers its images perfectly deadpan. It's just perfect.

Two more things I should mention. Unlike Disney's other recent features, it never, not even for a second, feels as though the story has been unduly compressed - and at 78 minutes it's a trifle shorter than most.

Also, despite the constant hilarity, it's rather touching.

No movie I've seen in the past six months has filled me with such joy. Well, perhaps there have been a few others, but they were all made long ago.

Fun with llamas!

[neroville · 17 September 2004]

Although my affection for other Disney movies of the 1990s has decidedly waned, my love for "The Emperor's New Groove" is still as strong as ever. In fact, I'm now beginning to think it's a work of genius. It's clever, unpretentious, fast-paced, and- like "Lilo and Stitch"- you don't feel that the vision of the film was muddled up by the suits. The characters are not constantly breaking into song, and there is a welcome lack of cloying sentiment. No cutesy talking teacups here! The lightning- fast comic timing, sharp writing and constant loony non sequiturs (i.e. "For the last time, we did not order a giant trampoline!") improves upon each viewing, and the voice work is uniformly excellent, from David Spade's hilariously bratty emperor to Patrick Warburton's dim boy-toy Kronk to Eartha Kitt's Yzma (an over-the-top screeching Erte-style villainess with an alleged "secret lab" who is also "scary beyond all reason"). You get the impression that everyone involved had lots of fun making this. The art direction, with its whirling cartoon Inca motifs, is simultaneously goofy and gorgeous- and it shows what marvels can be done with nary a pixel in sight. I even love all the local L.A. humor, with even Bob's Big Boy making an appearance. Although I was initially dismayed when I heard that the project, originally entitled, "The Kingdom of the the Sun," was to be changed to "The Emperor's New Groove," I think in the end the changes were a good thing. Did the world really need yet another bombastic Disney musical?

No, I didn't think so either.

ok movie

[nicolasverdessm · 6/10 · 31 March 2022]

I remeber watching this as a kid and thinking it was very good, but now it was just ok. I like the fast pase it has, the 4rth wall breaking and the slapstick. But for a comedy it lacked jokes. I liked how it is located in ancient Peru, but has contemporary stuff. I rate this with a 6, I don't think I will recomend this movie nor see it again.

Boom, baby!

[Boba_Fett1138 · 9/10 · 16 January 2005]

"The Emperor's New Groove" is a rare hilarious Disney movie.

It's very different from any other Disney movie so this movie might also be very watchable to you Disney haters out there. The movie pace is incredibly high and the music by John Debney and Sting are a real surprise. The movie really is a non-stop hilarious comedy with some unique humor. Also the style, both visual and story-wise is different from any other previous Disney movie, which in this case is a positive thing.

The characters are great. Kuzco and Pacha are a perfect team. Yzma is a remarkable villain and her sidekick Kronk is hilarious. Yep, Laughs are guaranteed in this very hip and hilarious movie!

The story really is of no importance and most of it never makes sense but that's also why this movie is both unique and hilarious to watch over and over again.

Highly recommendable to everyone!

9/10

http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

It's funny, but...

[doomedmac · 7/10 · 5 August 2020]

It's not hilarious, it's not very original, and it's not very truly impressive on any level. It's a good, fine movie, but it's not a masterpiece.

I absolutely love this movie!

[udeaasykle · 10/10 · 24 August 2004]

How great is this? A movie about a talking lama. I absolutely love this movie, from beginning to end. I don't know how many times I have watched this movie, but I am guessing in the over 10 area. This is the only movie that I find funnier dubbed in Norwegian than in the original language. It is absolutely hilarious, I don't care what age you are. Although I think adults understands more of the jokes in the movie, but that doesn't mean that kids won't find it funny. The movie is a story of betrayal, friendship, love and lots and lots of humour. It doesn't seem like I can ever get tired of this movie. Why? Because it is absolutely fantastic! I am 24 years old, so there aren't any age boundaries here. I rate this movie 10/10

my notes

[FeastMode · 6/10 · 24 July 2019]

Really funny and slightly more advanced humor than you expect in an old disney cartoon. this may have been the first really funny one. (about 3 viewings)

Underrated Disney Gem

[minister_of_silly_walks · 10/10 · 11 March 2019]

Being in development hell for a very long time and released to not much hype "The Emperor's New Groove" is often, unjustifiably, overlooked as one of the Disney masterpieces. It has fast comedic timing. a sharp script and All Star cast, where Patrick Warburton's performance especially stands out. The animation is top notch, like we expect from Disney, with very colorful and vibrant visuals that leap of the screen. One of those flicks that gets better with each viewing, so a must to check out.

One of the grooviest films of all time.

[alex_celmare · 7/10 · 23 July 2023]

It seems a paradox that one film can be loved by both children and adults, and blend todays culture in an ancient setting, making an all-around phenomenal film.

The movie begins at the halfway point of the story, then rewinds to the begging to show how we got there. The emperor has complete power over his people, but he doesn't use it to wage wars like your average emperor. Oh no, he just eats and dances and parties in the utmost PG way. Except his horrifyingly ugly chief advisor wants the power for herself, so she transforms him into a lama and throws him out of the palace in the most hilarious and contemporary way. He can only find his way back with the help of a peasant who he previously kicked off his land. So they strike a deal and attempt to find their way back to the palace.

The themes are on the surface, a selfish king needs to learn his lesson in caring for his people. We all serve (even kids) in a leadership capacity in some way, so watching something with morals like this is always a good reminder in selflessness and caring for those we are responsible for. Not only that, but we can see what happens when you don't learn from the selfishness and greed of the chief villain. So this movie provides both an example to follow and a stern warning, but it's not in your face. Not necessarily the most complex themes, but it's complex enough for its intended audience. It's good to have a movie that can teach kids good lessons about life, even if they don't realize it. There aren't enough films today that do that.

The animation isn't revolutionary, but checks off everything we need plus more. With a fine plot and good characters, I'd say the filmmakers accomplished everything they needed to and then some.

At the end of the day, this is simply one of the best kids movies ever, and you can't go wrong with it. Hey, even if your an adult and want to watch something fun, this could be for you.

Disney Gives a Whitewashed All White View of Peru & Its Natives

[nafps · 2/10 · 4 June 2018]

Zero Native people and zero Latin Americans and zero Incan culture in a film about the Latin American Indian culture of the Incas. This is true of the cast, the crew, the writers, and the story's content.

For shame, Disney. You had a chance to showcase an amazing people and their culture and you blew it for a silly story that could have taken place anywhere.

Since the film bombed, hopefully you learned your lesson. Coco seems to indicate you have.

ETA: I'm glad of the strong reactions to my review, both the downvotes and the higher than I expected number of up votes. Good to know some others feel the same.

"Bring it on."

[Victor Field · 20 March 2003]

"The Emperor's New Groove" is stylistically a break from Disney tradition - it's closer in tone to the Genie in "Aladdin" or some of their TV shows than most of their movies, making a refreshing change. In fact, you could be forgiven for thinking that this isn't a Disney movie at all... the only talking animal has a good excuse for yapping in the voice of David Spade, the only romantic relationship is that between Pacha and his wife (and even there it's more the sign of a happily married couple), and apart from the Emperor's Theme Song Guy ("He's the hippest cat in creation...") - and Sting over the end credits, but we'll forgive that - no one bursts into song. Plus the emphasis is more on Warner Bros-type energetic humour than usual. No wonder it was a disappointment at the box office; not your traditional Disney movie.

Then again, "The Rescuers Down Under" was an underrated pleasure as well.

The story isn't particularly different - you've got the ruler who has to change externally before he can change internally ("Beauty and the Beast"), Kronk, the good-hearted sidekick of the villain (Yzma) who can't bring himself to kill the hero ("Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"), and so on - but as is often the case it's not so much what the plot is as how it's handled. Although the movie suffers from "Is-that...?" syndrome - it's too hard not to see Finch from "Just Shoot Me!" every time Kuzco speaks (strangely enough, even though Pacha's wife has the voice of Wendie Malick from the same show, I never pictured Nina Van Horn... which isn't the case with "Fillmore!", where Miss Malick voices Principal Folsom. Go figure) - the movie's speed, energy and high humour rate make it easy to forgive, with Kuzco and the bad guy's sidekick as standouts. The movie's also a bit more self-reverential than other Disney movies, notably in our hero's narration (plus at one point Yzma and Kronk notice they're leaving a blue trail behind them, which turns out to be the trail they leave on the map to the palace illustrating the race between them and our heroes).

The surprising thing is that it even works with character - though the Emperor is enough of a self-absorbed hedonist (to a prospective wife: "Let me guess - you've got a really great personality") to turn off Paris and Nicky Hilton, he and Pacha have a believable relationship throughout the movie, so that by the end we're rooting for him to get turned back into a human. Too bad Marc Shaiman's score was thrown out (he'd have been a natural, as opposed to John Debney), but no sense whining over what might have been. An adventure, a comedy and a drama all in one, "The Emperor's New Groove" has everything that was notably absent from DreamWorks' own South American-set cartoon "The Road to El Dorado" (charm, interest, no Elton John overdose and so on) and is the funniest movie from the House of Mouse since "Aladdin." It's easier to forgive them for giving the world "Dinosaur" in 2000 as well.

Why DOES she have that lever, anyway?

One of the most underrated Disney films.

[Hackeroftoday · 9/10 · 2 January 2019]

When most people think of fantastic Disney movies people often let this one slip by. This is by far one of my favorite Disney movies. 18 years after release and multiple viewings I can still laugh at the jokes, as they still are fresh to this day. Kids will love this and adults too. Just do yourself a favor and watch this and prepare to laugh yourself out of your seat.

Disney's most underrated film

[jakethesnake-42007 · 10/10 · 13 September 2021]

The most underrated film of all Disney films. The film was a somewhat flop at the theatre and I can see why, the marketing was bad and the timing was bad too. The story is great the adult jokes are amazing. The characters just about everything on this film is amazing. It's obe if my favourite Disney films.

Good

[mfellipecampos · 7/10 · 6 December 2020]

One of the most underrated animations of the recent Disney era. It has obvious flaws, undeniable, and the protagonist is so ridiculously stupid that he sometimes gets irritated. But it is a very clever humor film, it is also short and super relaxed, the animated 2D strokes are very beautiful and prove the timeless nature of the format.

Film reviewed on December 5, 2020.

One of Disney's best animated films

[CubsandCulture · 10/10 · 9 December 2020]

I think the film wasn't initially well received because it is so different from much of the Disney canon. It's much closer to the classic Looney Toons in its zaniness than say Sleepy Beauty. It is very bright and kooky in its animation style; it's a comedy in which the plot is basically incidental to the proceedings. Films like this live and die on their performances; the four principals of Goodman, Spade, Kitt, Warburton are all *perfect* in this film. Every time I watch it it is just as engaging and delightful as the first time I saw it. The film ended up being the first in a series of animated films-the Shrek films, others come to mind-making meta-jokes or commentary on their forms to produce much more comedic offerings. Returning to it after 20 years or so just makes it stand out as the trend setter it ended up being.

A comedy about standing on your own four feet

[Lady_Targaryen · 6/10 · 14 June 2006]

''The Emperor's New Groove'''is not my favorite Disney movie. In fact, it is far from being in the top 5. From Disney, I really prefer the classics(in general) but I cannot deny that this movie has a beautiful message of helping others and look to yourself before judging someone.

Kuzco is a young and very arrogant emperor. One day, he is transformed into a lhama by the powerful witch and also his administrator,Yzma, that was very angry because Kuzco fired her. Lost in the woods, Kuzco will need the help of Pacha, an ordinary poor farmer and lhama herder. Before fighting with Yzma ,Kuzco will learn with Pacha true values of life and friendship.

Most underrated Disney Film

[santistebanhannia · 10/10 · 27 March 2019]

I'm reviewing this 2019 and since it came out it has been my favorite film m. I'm 25. It just gets funnier the more I watch it. I have literally grown into Yzma.

The funniest Disney film ever

[chvylvr80 · 7/10 · 16 October 2003]

The Emperor's New Groove has two qualities that separate it from the rest of the Disney animated pack: humor that can actually be enjoyed by someone over the age of five and only one musical number and it's at the beginning. That's the appeal of this film. Most animated Disney films both in the past and now have just too much singing in them. Not everyone loves singing animals so Emperor's is a good movie for those of you who didn't like the squealing songs of Aladdin of The Lion King.

The cast is what really makes this movie funny. Great writing coupled with the talents of David Spade, Eartha Kitt, John Goodman, and Patrick Warburton make this movie a laugh riot. Some of the jokes are geared towards adults so mom and dad won't be bored while watching this flick.

Bottom Line: This is a good movie and one of the funniest ever made by Disney. It's good for all ages.

Hilarious but short family treat!

[PatrynXX · 10/10 · 7 May 2001]

In all of it's 77 minutes this was still worth renting. (and buying in my opinion) Simply the best Disney film in recent memory. And no reason a 25 year old like me shouldn't see it. If you like laughing, this will serve a treat that will last for a very long time. (cute cat....) 10/10

Very kid-friendly and pretty good fun, but its a weak entry from Disney

[luke-a-mcgowan · 6/10 · 8 April 2015]

Often there are those kids movies you love and when you rewatch when you're a grown up you discover a lot more about why you loved them. Shrek has its Lord Faarquad, Toy Story 2 has Buzz's wings ejecting, and The Emperor's New Groove has...well, a llama voiced by David Spade strutting around being David Spade. Maybe this isn't one of those.

But it would be unfair to judge a kid's film on its appeal to adults. The story is still fun, there are a smattering of jokes (definitely ones that will appeal to kids - talking animals, slapstick and goofy Kronk being goofy), and is full of colour. The film's highlights include the voice acting of Patrick Warburton and John Goodman (both voice-acting staples) and also Eartha Kitt's villain, who is memorable even though she could easily pass for Cruella de Ville. Towards the end of the film, there are a couple of fourth wall breaks that make for a good chuckle as well.

As for flaws, well Kuzco undergoes a remarkable transformation in a remarkably short and convenient amount of time. David Spade is neurotic and I cannot bear him, even just as a voice actor I know he's there. And ultimately, Emperor's New Groove can't help but feel like a shallow Disney effort.

Its still an easy, fun watch, but its a more inferior Disney film and you'll get far more enjoyment from watching the superior aforementioned Shrek and Toy Story 2.

One of Disney's WORST movies in years

[Kreme · 3/10 · 1 May 2001]

This confusing mish-mash of a movie is a real chore to sit through. The characters are dull, the plot is pointless, the animation is sub-par, and the music feels like it was slashed to ribbons.

You thought Tarzan was dull? You ain't seen nothing yet.

The basic story involves a selfish amoral emperor (David Spade) who is turned into a llama. The movie is a bit of a quest picture as the emperor tries to get himself restored to human form.

At the end of the picture we have a selfish amoral emperor who has, as far as I can tell, done *nothing* worth being restored. There's certainly no moral lesson here, or at least not a good one.

There are a few good jokes, though most of these are well over the average child's head. The voice talents are good, as both Spade and Goodman deliver their dialog in a believable, in character manner. Eartha Kitt is quite good as the evil Sorceress Yzma. In fact, the voice talent, I think, is better than most Disney films of recent memory (with the exception of the Toy Story movies, quite possibly the best). This is not enough to save a movie that I found to be predictable, silly, overblown, and, in the end, empty. Somewhat like eating a snow cone. There's some flavor, but no body.

My 3 year old son likes it, but then again he's three.