Thoroughly underrated and seriously entertaining

Rating: 10/10 (22 March 2017)

When listing my top 5 favorite Disney movies, I often get weird looks as I list this newer, and highly underrated film behind classics like Peter Pan, 101 Dalmatians, Lady and the Tramp, and Beauty and the Beast. In my opinion, however, The Emperor's New Groove deserves to be in the running as one of the newer Disney classics. The movie follows Emperor Kuzko, a seemingly selfish young ruler who is turned into a llama by one of his former advisers. Though the idea of a selfish ruler learning his place in the world is not an uncommon theme in movies, especially Disney movies, this film does it in a new way, making it seem fresh and original. Add some fabulous and easily quotable lines, the incomparable Eartha Kitt, an always hilarious Patrick Walburton, and David Spade in one of the few roles where he is actually tolerable, and you have the makings of a Disney classic. It's just a shame that this near perfect film doesn't get the recognition it deserves. So, if you've never seen this wonderful little movie, do so immediately. It will be well worth the hour and half, and I think you'll see why I think this movie deserves so much more than it's gotten. Hopefully, with age, it will be seen for what it is- an absolute masterpiece.