The Emperor's New Groove (2000) is a fun entry into the Disney animated universe. A largely accepted criticism is that it isn't a very ambitious movie, but the characters and movie pacing keep it enjoyable for all. I agree! Spoilers may follow.
David Spade has a long line of rotten rated films, even though Tommy Boy is hilarious, so this movie with 85% may be his highest. Spade's peculiar voice fits Kuzco spectacularly. The entitled, whiny, and sarcastic tones are apt. It wouldn't be the same if a big-name star voiced the emperor like Will Smith or Matt Damon. Spade really captures what the viewer is supposed to feel about Kuzco which is he's a loser...at first at least.
The voices of John Goodman (Pacha), Patrick Warburton (Kronk), Eartha Kitt (Yzma) and others contribute finely to the story. <My spellcheck really didn't like any of these characters names.> The lovable big goof Kronk steals the show. He seems to just be trying to help however he can. He'll cook or travel or even almost kill the emperor because he was asked to help. Luckily his shoulder angel convinces him otherwise.
Sometimes movies break the 4th wall. We see this throughout the picture. Now, narration by itself isn't included until the characters in the movie interact with said narrator, and that happens. Selfish llama Kuzco intercepts a couple of times to make sure you know the story is about him.
Another example is the chase scene. While Yzma and Kronk are chasing Pacha and Kuzco, dots are following their footsteps as if it were a map. Right after this, somehow the antagonists make it back before our protagonists, and they're very confused. They literally say "oh well" and shrug off the mystery.
If anyone knows me personally, you'll know I love squirrels. They make me laugh, and I don't hide this fact. Obviously, I'm going to like this movie's squirrel and the fact that Kronk has a conversation with it. I think of the scene where he pops the balloon on Kuzco all the time.
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