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THE
EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE
review by Joseph B. Mauceri
REVIEW: THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE is Disney's first original tale in a long, long time. The plot combines tried-and-true Disney setups with classic themes, but what makes this a delightfully entertaining film for the entire family are the cast and production designs. Using an Aztec backdrop gives the film a fresh setting. The writers and animators take full advantage of working the locations and settings into the gags. The character designs are reminiscent of "The Flintstones," but are refined and smoother around the edges. The animators give the characters a slight edge that allows them to connect with their human counterparts. The voices are some of the best talent television has to offer. When you consider that these actors record their voices separately, the chemistry that develops on the screen is magical. Eartha Kitt is wonderfully wicked and earns her place in the halls of Disney villains. These skillful writers take their queue from classical themes and shape it to fit this particular story. They don't rely on these themes as a crutch, but weave them all together to create this particular tale. At its core, THE EMPEROR"S NEW GROOVE is a buddy picture, supported by a morality tale. You might think the title refers to Anderson's "The Emperor's New Clothes," but the plot has more in common with Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper." When the emperor and Pacha hit the road I was reminded of the Crosby and Hope "Road Pictures," but their misadventures feel orchestrated by Chuck Jones. THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE is not a typical Disney musical, with only a few songs to augment the plot. The Sting's show piece comes at the end, while Tom Jones' number is a real show-stopper. THE EMPEROR"S NEW GROOVE is hip, hilarious and a good time to be had by all. The particulars may not be new, but the presentation is fresh. OFFICIAL
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SYNOPSIS:
The evil Yzma plots to kill the heartless Emperor Kuzco on the eve
of his 18th Birthday. Her bumbling henchman, Kronk, actually turns
the emperor into a Llama and loses him. Miles from the palace, Kuzco
must rely on Pacha to get him home and turn him back into a human.
Oh, Pacha is the peasant who's home Kuzco is going to tear down
to build his summer home.