The Emperor’s
New Groove is one of Disney’s original stories—a classic and forever
memorable.
After the end of
the Renaissance era in 1999 with Tarzan, Disney struggled to make a huge
financial impact at the box office. Even though their animations were still
profitable, thanks to Disney’s knack for selling home videos, producing
direct-to-video sequels, and developing TV shows to recoup their investments,
they struggled to regain their box office dominance for years. Despite these
challenges, Disney still knew how to produce and write stories that were
classics and unforgettable.
The Emperor’s
New Groove was released in 2000, the same year Disney also released Fantasia
2000 and Dinosaur. It was Disney’s 40th animated feature film and
remains one of those animations you can watch over and over without getting
tired of it. The production is straightforward, shedding the weight of too many
characters and focusing on just two leads: one human, Pacha, and the other,
Kuzco, who’s been turned into a llama.
The bonding between these two characters is what makes this ride magical.
Kuzco, the arrogant young Incan emperor, is so selfish and cruel that it’s hard
to feel sorry for him when his adviser, Yzma, turns him into a llama to seize
control of the empire.
Other great
characters in the movie include Pacha’s family. His wife is tough, strong, and
a force to be reckoned with, even while expecting their third child. Their two
children also add to the charm.
Then there’s Kronk, Yzma’s loyal servant. He’s all muscle and heart but not
much brain. After Kuzco is turned into a llama, Kronk is tasked with disposing
of the body so Kuzco is never found. However, his conscience won’t let him kill
Kuzco, and he accidentally leaves the sack on Pacha’s wagon.
Pacha returns
home, sad and unsure how to tell his family that Kuzco plans to drive them out
of their home to build a pool house. That’s when he discovers a sack containing
a talking llama who sounds just like Kuzco.
Pacha informs Kuzco that he’s no longer human, and the two set off on a
journey. Along the way, Kuzco learns humility and appreciation for others as
they make their way back to the palace to confront Yzma and restore Kuzco to
his human form.
It’s a great
movie worth watching multiple times. You’ll laugh and be moved as Kuzco learns
to be humble while he and Pacha work to get him back to his palace.
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