The Emperor's New Groove (2000)

85% of critics liked it
(127 reviews)
75% of users liked it
(420,621 ratings)

A ruler learns how the other half lives -- the animal half, that is -- in this animated comedy-adventure from the Walt Disney Studios. Kuzco (voice of David Spade) is the young emperor of an Inca nation who takes a self-centered joy in the troubles of others. Not surprisingly, Kuzco's attitudes have… More A ruler learns how the other half lives -- the animal half, that is -- in this animated comedy-adventure from the Walt Disney Studios. Kuzco (voice of David Spade) is the young emperor of an Inca nation who takes a self-centered joy in the troubles of others. Not surprisingly, Kuzco's attitudes have earned the enmity of many of his subjects, including Yzma (voice of Eartha Kitt), a sorceress who wants to seize power away from the emperor after he relieved her of her royal duties, declaring she was too old and unattractive to do the job. Yzma and her musclebound assistant Kronk (voice of Patrick Warburton) hatch a plan to poison Kuzco and take the throne, but thanks to a mistake on Kronk's part, Kuzco isn't killed -- he's instead turned into a talking llama. Kronk can't bring himself to kill the llama, and instead sends the former emperor into the jungle to fend for himself. Kuzco doesn't do too well as a llama until he runs into Pacha (voice of John Goodman), a poor farmer whose property Kuzco once planned to take over for a vacation home. Soft-hearted Pacha agrees to help the emperor-turned-llama find his way back home where, hopefully, another sorcerer can reverse the spell, but once they hit the road, they discover Yzma and Kronk are looking for them, with Yzma determined to finish the assassination she started. Pop star Sting composed several original songs for The Emperor's New Groove, which during its long and troubled production had previously been announced as Kingdom in the Sun and Kingdom of the Sun. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 19 min.
Directed By: Mark Dindal
Written By: Jonathan Roberts
Genres: Animation, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Dec 15, 2000 Wide
On DVD: May 1, 2001
Studio: Buena Vista Pictures

Critic Reviews

Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
Ingenious action sequences driven by surprisingly little plot lead to a climax full of the transmogrification animation was invented for.
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
Emperor doesn't aim too high or strain too hard; it is at ease inhabiting its pretty, miniature realm.
David Ansen, Newsweek
The unfussy, tossed-off quality actually helps give this original story zippy irreverence some of Disney's plusher cartoons lack.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Will the kids buy it? You bet they will.
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
Funky, funny and free of ersatz Broadway cheese.
Susan Stark, Detroit News
An audience dominated by young children was disconcertingly quiet during a preview screening.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
More fun, goofy cartoon antics than Disney polish.
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
[The] lightest and wackiest of all Disney features.
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
At times it was too fluffy, especially the ending.
Daniel Etherington, Film4
Groove boasts some innovative tricks and sharp performances. Oh, and not too many songs. Phew.
Bob Grimm, Sacramento News & Review
The arc of the story may be predictable, but it's balanced out by some marvelously unpredictable flashes of visual comedy, all very much in the style of Chuck Jones in his prime.
Wally Hammond, Time Out
This Disney comedy makes a self-conscious and largely successful attempt to modernise the studio's format with a jive-ass sensibility.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...a surprisingly entertaining and awfully funny piece of work.
Chris Gore, Film Threat
At its heart, this is a buddy comedy that works on all levels.
Michael Szymanski, International Press Academy
It's a special New Groove DVD Edition that features groovy new extra
Tony Whitt, Now Playing Magazine
Brilliant all around.
Christopher Smith, Bangor Daily News (Maine)
The film ranks among the studio's fresher undertakings.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
It is not vintage Disney, to be sure, but it beats most anything on the Cartoon Channel.
Joshua Tyler, CinemaBlend.com
Yzma and Kronk kick the comedy *** of Timone and Pumba.
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
Deep down, I'd like to believe that this film will be remembered years from now as one of the better animated films to emerge from this decade.

Read all 22 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Alexander D

This was dumb. I hate Disney movies like this.
Brad W

Hilarious, Disney doesn't give a perfect animated film but its one of the funniest they have ever made, a really funny film.
Jens S

I gotta say I am not a big fan of Disney's tendency of modernizing old stories with too many references to modern life. A more traditional approach would sometimes be more appropriate and charming. Same goes for this film, which does not really feel as if it is taking place in… More
I gotta say I am not a big fan of Disney's tendency of modernizing old stories with too many references to modern life. A more traditional approach would sometimes be more appropriate and charming. Same goes for this film, which does not really feel as if it is taking place in ancient South America. The main character is also rather unlikable at first. Of course, this wouldn't be a Disney film if they didn't manage to entertain really well and turn the whole thing around.
erika b

dumb and weak
Michael E

fantastic animation as always, great comedy, great acting, and great drama and plot
Jason R

One of my favorite movies ever. Can't resist the llama... and the 85% tomatometer.
Richard C

D
Dan S

A funny Disney movie with two memorable lead characters and a supporting character who steals the whole show. Everytime Kronk comes on screen you can expect to laugh hard. A little obvious of a message but still a lovable movie.
KJ P

Fantastic! Hilarious! Creative! Imaginative! Anything else? Nope!
Jennifer D

Cute and funny. :)
Alexander W

Really great majestic movie. South American Themed
Cassie H

Cute
danny d

underrated, a really good animated movie, funny for adults appropriate for kids. one of my favorite disney movies ever.
Curtis L

Not my favorite
Candy R

Cool original cartoon.
Jennifer X

not disney's best.
Rachel F

Loved it. David Spade is hilarious.
Wildaly M

Pretty entertaining film. I liked the sarcasm of the emperor Kuzco and Yzma was fun to watch as well. "Dude! You threw off my groove." "I am sorry but you threw off the emperor's groove." (Not sure if it goes like that but I liked that scene.
xGary X

Sub par Disney fodder which is full of obvious jokes and is unusually shoddily drawn. It felt half-finished to me.
Jason S

I thought this was pretty weak for a Disney flick. I feel they have gone pretty downhill.