The Emperor's New Groove began life in 1994 as an epic musical drama inspired by pre-Columbian legend.
Three years ago, the film hit an artistic dead end and the producers took the risky decision to start afresh, jettisoning all but two of the main characters and retooling the script as a madcap comedy. The result is a wild and wacky animated rollercoaster ride, skewed towards an older audience, recalling the high-velocity hilarity of Aladdin.
Emperor Kuzco (voiced by Spade) is the vain, arrogant and egocentric ruler of a mythical mountain kingdom. He is transformed into a llama by devious, power-hungry palace adviser Yzma (Kitt). Cast out from his kingdom, Kuzco crosses paths with good-natured llama herder Pacha (Goodman) who agrees to help him. But Yzma and her muscle-bound manservant Kronk (Warburton) are lying in wait.
With The Emperor's New Groove, the film-makers go back to basics, employing hand-drawn animation. The simple yet colourful visuals reflect the film's irreverent tone, with plenty of sight gags for kids and sophisticated satire for parents.
Spade is an absolute riot, accentuating his character's selfishness and insensitivity with a barrage of acidic one-liners and insults. Goodman is equally impressive as his comic foil, bringing warmth and gentleness to the good-hearted herder. Kitt gives a delightfully wicked performance as the villainess of the piece and Warburton is a hoot as her stooge.
Sting's musical numbers are bright and breezy, complemented by clever and witty lyrics in collaboration with musician/composer David Hartley, reflecting the zany sensibility of the rest of the pic. Not to be missed.
