From Llama to Leader: A Hilarious Tale of Humility and Heart

The Emperor’s New Groove is one of my family’s favorite movies. It has wit, charm, and tender parts. We probably quote this movie more than any other film. However, my youngest son hated this movie for the longest time because of one character. He would run out of the room anytime Yzma, voiced by Eartha Kitt, was on the screen, and she is “scary beyond all reason.” Eventually, he came to love this film too. In The Emperor’s New Groove Christian Movie Review & Parent Guide, I give you the information you need before viewing this movie with your children.

I like this movie so much that I even planned an Emperor’s New Groove birthday party for my son-in-law, and I will post some of what we planned and did for that soon.

The Emperor’s New Groove Christian Review – Synopsis

Studio Synopsis: 

Emperor Kuzco (David Spade) thought he had it all: a devoted populace to rule over, a wardrobe of glamorous garb and his unwavering “groove.” But his world is flipped upside down when he’s turned into a llama by his devious adviser Yzma (Eartha Kitt), and her hunky henchman Kronk (Patrick Warburton). Now the once-mighty ruler is forced into an unlikely alliance with pleasant peasant Pacha (John Goodman). Together, they must overcome their differences as they embark on a groovy adventure. Discovering the good in everyone has never been so much fun!

My Synopsis:

In The Emperor’s New Groove, the selfish and young Emperor Kuzco gets turned into a llama by his power-hungry advisor, Yzma, and her clumsy sidekick, Kronk. Stripped of his luxurious lifestyle and stranded in the countryside, Kuzco reluctantly teams up with Pacha, a kind-hearted villager whose home is threatened by Kuzco’s plans to build a lavish summer palace on Pacha’s village.

This good movie is filled with slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and heartwarming moments as Kuzco learns some hard lessons about friendship, kindness, and putting others first. It’s an unexpectedly funny movie, and its endearing journey leaves you smiling, thanks to its quirky characters and a message about growing into a better version of yourself. 

The Emperor’s New Groove Christian Movie Review – What Parents Want to Know 

Language:

While there is no foul language, there is the use of words such as “stupid” and phrases such as “kill them” and “he will be dead before dessert.” The entire movie is centered around Kuizco wanting to destroy Pacha’s village and Yzma trying to kill Kuzco.

Additionally, the film has a sarcastic tone, which bothers some viewers. However, as I pointed out to my husband, if we wanted to get rid of the sarcastic tone in our house, we would have to get rid of me. (While I use sarcasm often, I do not insult individuals or use it in a mean-spirited way). 

Violence: 

The violence depicted in this film is slapstick, similar to Roadrunner and the Coyote ni Looney Tunes cartoons – falling when a bridge breaks, bats flying into a character’s mouth, a character being hit with a frying pan, and characters being hit by lightning. Furthermore, there is a pack of black panthers with glowing eyes.

Yzma is trying to kill Kuzco. In one scene, she lifts her dress and has a dagger in a sheath on her leg.

Spiritual Content: 

The movie is centered around Yzma trying to kill Kuzco with poison. She has a potion that she gives to Kronk to put in the Emperor’s drink. Through a mishap, Kuzco gets turned into a llama. There is another scene in Yzma’s lab where there are bottles of potions. 

In one scene, a character is having trouble making a decision. An angel appears on one shoulder to convince him to do the good thing, saying, “The wicked shall receive their just reward.” Also, a devil appears on the other shoulder to influence him to do the “evil” thing.

A song talks about Kuzco being the Alpha and Omega. These are terms Christians (and Revelations) use to describe God.

Other Content: 

One man gives CPR to another man, and there are jokes about it being a “kiss.” A male llama dresses as a woman to hide his identity. 

Positive Content:

Redemption and forgiveness are themes in this film.  Additionally, Pacha saves the Emperor’s life even when there is nothing in it for him. He risks his life for another. 

Teachable Moments with The Emperor’s New Groove

While The Emperor’s New Groove is set in the fictional town, it is inspired by ancient Peruvian culture and is set in an Incan Empire. Use maps and explore the history of the Peruvian culture and the Incas.

The main character, Emperor Kuzco, is selfish and immature. He is only 18 years old, and has a position of great power. Discuss how having money and power at a young age can be a disadvantage. While the movie begins with a self-centered Emperor, it does not end that way. Talk about the changes in Kuzco and how those changes came about.

Furthermore, the poor Pacha lives a meager existence in his tiny village in the mountains. He is a good guy who does the right thing, and he feels incredibly blesses because he has a great wife and kids.

Dreamworks produced a film, The Road to El Dorado (2000), that featured the Aztec culture and the City of Gold. Compare and Contrast these two films and these two cultures. 

My Viewing Recommendations of The Emperor’s New Groove Christian Movie Review

When The Emperor’s New Groove was first released in theaters, it was not a box office success. However, since then, it has become a cult favorite with a significant following. There are frequent posts on social media calling for Disney to produce an Yzma and Kronk roller coaster based on the “pull the lever, Kronk!” scene in the film.

Overall, besides the potential scariness of Yzma, there is little objectionable in this film, and many people compare it to classic Looney Tunes for its slapstick comedy and excellent comedic timing. Additionally, the breaking of the fourth wall enhances everything about this film. My family recommends this Disney movie, from the oldest to the youngest. However, some people may object to the overly sarcastic tone in the film, which is what other people feel is endearing. 

About the Movie – The Emperor’s New Groove 

Rating: G for general audiences

Release Date: December 15, 2000

Runtime:  1 hour, 18 minutes

Genre: Family/Comedy

Style:  Animated

Studio:  Walt Disney Feature Animation

Directed by: Mark Dindal

Written by: Randy Fullmer

Screenplay by:  David Reynolds

Story by:  Chris Williams, Mark Dindal

Based on the Original Story by:  Roger Allers, Matthew Jacobs

Producer Randy Fullmer

Edited by: Pamela Ziegenhagen-Shefland

Music by:  John Debney

Distributed by:  Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

The Cast of The Emperor’s New Groove

David Spade as Emperor Kuzco

John Goodman as Pacha

Eartha Kitt as Yzma

Patrick Warburton as Kronk

Wendie Malick as Chica (Pacha’s wife)

Bob Bergen as Bucky the Squirrel

Tom Jones as Theme Song Guy

Patti Deutsch as Mata

John Fiedler as Rudy

Joe Whyte as the Royal Recordkeeper

Jess Harnell as a Guard who throws Rudy out a window

Rodger Bumpass as a Guard who gets turned into a cow

Steve Susskind as an Irate Chef

Miriam Flynn as the Pinata Lady

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Where can I watch The Emperor’s New Groove? 

The Emperor’s New Groove can be streamed on Disney+. Furthermore, it is available on other streaming platforms for rent, such as Google Play, Apple+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.

What are my age recommendations for this film?

Due to some “scary” scenes, I would recommend this film for 

Are there other Disney films with these characters?

There was a sequel entitled, Kronk’s New Groove which featured Kronk’s New Groove which was also known as The Emperor’s New Groove 2: Kronk’s New Groove. This was a direct-to-video animated film the followed the first movie. The characters that appear include Kuzco, Kronk, Yzma, Pacha, and Chica. It was also the last film to feature the voice of John Fiedler, who played the old man named Rudy. It includes the addition of John Mahoney as Kronk’s father and a love interest for Kronk, Miss Birdwell, played by Tracey Ullman.

Additionally, an animated television series, The Emperor’s New School, appeared on Disney Channel. It now can be found streaming on Disney+.

Other Information:

The Sweatbox was a documentary highlighting the collaboration between Sting, David Hartley, and Disney Studios for six songs for this film. The original title of the film was Kingdom of the Sun. The documentary premiered at the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival but has not been played since. Disney does own the rights, and apparently, this is another “in the vault film” similar to Song of the South, which will not see the light of day anytime soon.

There are some great podcasts and videos out there talking about the film, the voice work, and the animation itself. For example: The voices behind The Emperor’s New Groove.

Additionally, while this film underperformed at the Box Office when it was released on VHS, sales were much better than anticipated. The Emperor’s New Groove was produced under the CEO Michael Eisner who served Disney for 21 years, and saw the release of blockbusters such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King and became known as the Disney Renaissance period.