A fun film for everyone!

Sukanya Verma

Earlier titled Kingdom Of The Sun, The Emperor's New Groove was conceived as a serious, grand and lengthy animated musical. Only to be reincarnated as a whacky, compact and snazzy package.

Wise decision. For Walt Disney's latest is pure entertainment, without a dull moment.

The Emperor's New Groove is about friendship between two unlikely people.

Kuzco (David Spade) is a conceited, self-centred, lazy, complete brat of an Emperor with a tickling, yet vile, sense of humour.

There is only person whom he loves unconditionally -- himself.

When not rejecting prospective brides, Kuzco is busy admiring the architectural plan of Kuzcotopia, a water theme park atop a hill. To realise his dream, Kuzco doesn't mind evicting those living off the hill.

Good-natured herdsmen Pacha's (John Goodman) appeals to prevent that from happening fall deaf on the arrogant ruler's ears.

Meanwhile, the conniving royal assistant Yzma (Eartha Kitt), who looks a cross between a housefly and Betty Davies, and who has an eye on the throne, decides to poison the emperor.

But Yzma's bungling aide Kronk (Patrick Warburton), who's short on gray matter, mixes up the potions and Kuzco turns into a Llama.

Kuzco aka Llama bumps into Pacha. They crack a deal. Kuzco will give up his water park plans in return for his Pacha turning him into his human form.

Kuzco is still every inch the jerk he was, though, and has no intentions of sticking to his word.

After a series of adventures over mountains, waterfalls and jungles, an endearing bond of trust and friendship flowers between the unconventional duo.

Interestingly, the animation looks straight out of Dreamwork's The Prince Of Egypt and The Road To El Dorado.

David Spade (Saturday Night Live and Beavis And Butthead) is just perfect as the selfish and unapologetic Kuzco. The film belongs to him.

This is one character who is as entertaining as Alladin's genie (voiced by Robin Williams).

The film has great moments throughout -- Kuzco's tantrums, Kuzco and Pacha's escapades, childish squabbles between Pacha's kids, Yzma's disgust and Kronk's special ability to converse with squirrels. Fun unlimited, indeed.

The Oscar-nominated soundtrack by Sting makes for pleasant hearing. My funny friend and me and A perfect world are particularly noteworthy.

Unlike most Disney films like Tarzan and Dinosaur, where the stress is more on animation, The Emperor's New Groove boasts of a strong script.

Packed with wholesome content, rib-tickling gags and hilarious one-liners by Kuzco, this one aims to please both kids and adults alike.

CREDITS
Cast: David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton, Wendie Malick, Eli Russell Linnetz and Kellyann Kelso
Producer: Randy Fullmer
Director: Mark Dindal
Writers: Roger Allers, David Reynolds,
Music: Sting

Official Website