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Emperor's New Groove movie review

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Emperor's New Groove

Ask anyone on the street about llamas and they will probably say that they are cute, cuddly, or maybe even that they have nice eyelashes. However, if they were to see The Emperor's New Groove, all that cutesy llama-loving business could be out the door in a flash.

David Spade, best known as Dennis Finch from television's Just Shoot Me, lends his vocal talents to the role of Kuzco, the arrogant and nasty ruler of a mythical South American Empire. The story begins with Kuzco deciding to build an enormous swimming pool on top of a nearby mountain as a birthday present to himself.

Movie Still, Emperor's New Groove
Movie Still, Emperor's New Groove
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Unfortunately for the local villagers, including Pacha (John Goodman), this decision means their homes are now destined for 'Bulldozerville' and there's nothing they can do but plead their case to the Emperor.

Before construction can begin, Kuzco is accidentally transformed into a llama, ejected from his palace and left to fend for himself in the jungle. Alone and friendless, his only hope is Pacha, the local villager whose home he had planned to demolish. The movie follows the two as they make their way back to the palace, battling the rigours of the wilderness and relying on each other for survival.

Karen says:
Even though Kuzco has the lead role, and you know that everything has to turn out well for him, it is still the supporting characters that have more appeal. click for more
Spade is great as Kuzco, but the character is fairly unpleasant - even as a llama, and it is hard to find sympathy for him. Yzma and Kronk have good banter, reminiscent of many evil duos of late, and steal the show.

The animation is a step back from the smooth style we have become accustomed to from Disney in recent years, with pointy jagged characters and sharp edged scenery. Also, Kuzco narrates the story maintaining his nasty demeanor throughout.

The story is fun, Tom Jones' theme song and dance routine is great, and kids will no doubt enjoy the llama with his witty dialogue. Adults however, may find him marginally obnoxious and feel that a good slappin' is in order. I enjoyed the film and at the end I was left thinking 'bad llama, BAD LLAMA'.

Send your comments or review Michael McGoldrick
Due for Australian release April 5, 2001
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Just the facts:

Title: Emperor's New Groove (199)
Written by: Story by Chris Williams & Mark Dindal, screnplay by David Reynolds
Directed by: Mark Dindal
Produced by: Randy Fullmer
Edited by: Pamela Ziegenhagen-Shefland
Director of Photography:
running time: 78
rating: G

The Players: John Goodman, David Spade, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton, Wendie Malick
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ISSN 1328-8008
Published in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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: Published in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia : copyright © Festivale 2001 All rights reserved
Filed: 1-Apr-2001 : Last updated: : Last tested: 19-Jan-2009: Last Compiled: 08-Aug-2014
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