A dry, clever, wacky groove. Recommended.

Rating: 9/10 (11 May 2001)

I had heard that Disney was trying something a bit different with this picture, and knew from Kuzco's "Bring it on." waterfall line in the preview that I'd probably like this form of different. This is the first Disney pic in awhile that doesn't really take itself seriously at all, and it flourishes as a result.
There's a plot, but it's not such a big deal as in most Disney fare. Jerkish emperor receives his comeuppance and learns a lesson, yada-yada. The fun's more in the telling, as given here. The change of heart doesn't come so terribly quickly as to be disconcerting, and feels somewhat earned through the chaos that ensues. And chaos it is...through a rollercoaster ride of sight gags, verbal wordplay, conventional satire and a semi-talking squirrel.
David Spade lends a biting sarcasm to Kuzco that is rare for "hero-types" in cartoons, and Patrick Warburton really steals the show with his understated and underneuroned Kronk. I came to be waiting for every dry aside out of Kronk's mouth, he's so hilarious. Such a lovely eulogy.
I don't understand why some have said this is boring, as it's a pretty snappy ride. I do understand why some haven't laughed so much-you need a pretty quick and warped mind to catch some of their throwaway lines, which are really some of the funniest. Kids will like the sight gags, but will miss much of the verbal humor. Take it out for a spin, you may be pleasantly surprised. Just, don't diss Kronk's spinach puffs. He's a little sensitive about that, you know.