Modern Disney with a big pinch of Hilarity.

Rating: Null/10 (11 July 2004)

Its sad to think that the new wave of animation attracting the movie-going public has been coming from animators that prefer to use the computer generated modelling for their films (Shrek, Monsters Inc. etc..)
These films are by no means bad, but personally, the more "old-fashioned" style of animation created on the drawing boards seems to hit a sweeter chord than those that have been brought about using 3D models and backrounds (though Finding Nemo and Toy Story are brilliant too, I must admit). Perhaps its the feeling that these films are more reminiscent to the way things were before the digital age, or perhaps its the fact that the drawings for the 2D movies give it that extra "cartoony" feel without the concept of realism and hence, can simply be enjoyed to the max as a .... cartoon.
What The Emperor's New Groove does so well where possibly others have failed is that it does not take itself seriously, not because it lacks realism, but due to the actual script and storyboard itself. There aren't many drama moments that try to make the audience weep and when it does happen, the makers have opted to add a quick punch line or a quick extra animation short that makes you laugh out once again. Some may argue that this gives the movie less substance but this in fact is a refreshing change to the tried and tested formula of the happy-to-sad-then-happy-again rollercoaster many other animation films have become famous for.
I for one am extremely pleased with this Disney release and however you want to look at it, The Emperor's New Groove is a great success and should be viewed by everyone simply for the - very many - comedic moments it has to offer. Brilliant.
Rating: 5/5