The Emperor's New Groove

Fun, goofy cartoon misrepresents Incan culture.
Parents say
Based on 11 reviews
Kids say
Based on 46 reviews
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The Emperor's New Groove
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Emperor's New Groove follows a young and self-centered emperor of an Incan kingdom, but don't expect an accurate or respectful portrayal of Incan culture (what is now Peru). There are some scary moments, including a creepy jungle scene that takes place at night. Most of the peril is comic, but it still might be too much for younger kids. And it's worth noting that the sarcastic tone that makes the main character so hilarious could be contagious for young fans. In the end, though, the movie is about a selfish person who sees the error of his ways and reforms, which is a positive takeaway.
Community Reviews
Don't Waste your Time.
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Not your average Disney movie, but a GREAT COMEDY! :D
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What's the Story?
THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE follows the story of spoiled emperor Kuzco (voiced by David Spade). When Kuzco dismisses his advisor, Yzma (Eartha Kitt), she decides to poison him. Her dim but muscular sidekick Kronk (Patrick Warburton) accidentally gives Kuzco the wrong potion, and instead of being killed, he's turned into a llama. Kuzco needs to get help from a peasant named Pacha (John Goodman) to get his body and his kingdom back, and the pair embark on a wild adventure in which they go over a rushing waterfall, get covered with scorpions, are cornered by jaguars, and get chased by Yzma and Kronk.
Is It Any Good?
Fast, fun, and funny, this film deserves to be taken out of the rarified category of "animation" and called what it is: a cartoon. The Emperor's New Groove has more in common with classic Warner Brothers toons like Bugs Bunny and Road Runner than with Disney animation classics. That said, it's important to note that while the film offers a story inspired by Inca culture, it's not a faithful historical representation. There are anachronisms, such as a restaurant on the road and a fantastic vision of the emperor's palace.
Unlike other animated adventures, this story has no perky heroine singing about her dreams, no adorable animal sidekicks, no soulful romantic duet. In fact, there's no love interest at all. It's pure nonstop action and comedy, with a kind of freewheeling, even improvisational tone that's refreshing to watch. The movie even spoofs itself, along with other movies from The Fly to The Wizard of Oz.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the main character's transformation in The Emperor's New Groove, both physically and mentally. How do you think Kuzco's animal transformation helps him become a better person?
This movie about Inca culture was written and directed by White men and has no Latino voice actors. Do you think lived experience is necessary to tell an accurate, cultural story? How might the inclusion of Latino talent have influenced or changed The Emperor's New Groove?
Why do you think a character like Kuzco thinks all people are selfish, while a character like Pacha finds good in everyone? How do these very different characters learn to trust each other?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 15, 2000
- On DVD or streaming: October 18, 2005
- Cast: David Spade, Eartha Kitt, John Goodman
- Director: Mark Dindal
- Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Friendship
- Character Strengths: Humility
- Run time: 78 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: February 21, 2023
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