Disney is back in the saddle.

Rating: 8/10 (19 May 2002)

Finally, Disney has reverted back to madcap mayhem and saved us from the frustratingly boring love songs by performers whose best days passed 20 years ago (or, in some cases never arrived) inherent in so many Disney cartoons of recent memory. The sharp, angular animation, the hilarious writing and voice talents, the clever references, and the editing and direction make this movie an unappreciated gem. Hopefully, in time, more people will come to appreciate this as cartoon film-making of the highest caliber. There was no obvious selling out by dragging dopey, "we-wrote-this-song-to-capture-an-overrated-Academy-Award-for-Best-Song" pabulum to be force-fed upon an audience that just wants to see the old Disney magic doing what it does best. This movie strikes the fine balance of appealing to people of all ages without sacrificing the quality of the writing and dialogue - not an easy task. Seeing this movie has instilled a sense of faith in me that Disney CAN still deliver the goods without relying on selling soundtracks. While David Spade (as Kuzco) and John Goodman (as Pacha) deliver hilarious and warming performances, Patrick Warburton (as Kronk) and Eartha Kitt (as Yzma) are two of the most enjoyable villains in Disney's pantheon of characters. Kronk is probably the most lovable henchman Disney has ever produced. The supporting voices are top-notch (especially Wendie Malick as ChiCha) and bring out a well-rounded characterization void of caricature.