A Movie That Grooves

For the 2nd post of September, we're going to write about another animated film. Surprisingly, it has a tumultuous production history. It was originally entitled Kingdom of the Sun and had a dissimilar concept. Though ideas for the film had worthiness to them, an overhaul occurred (for additional information, videos and a bootlegged documentary are available to you online). The completed film is known as The Emperor's New Groove.

This movie has a lot going for it. Uniquely, it has an Incan setting. Its animation is dynamic, colorful, elaborate and inventive. The film opens with a snappy song. However, knowing what I know now, Sting should've been Theme Song Guy. Anyhow, music-wise, the film's got a score of solidarity by John Debney, too. Pamela Ziegenhagen-Shefland's crisp editing assists with the movie's pacing and humor.

Surprisingly, a ton of talented people contributed incidental voices. Bob Bergen, who encountered a squirrel prior to his audition, was suitably squirrelly as Bucky. Kellyann Kelso and Eli Russell Linnetz entertained as the children. Gameshow panelist Patty Deutsch used their deadpan delivery to avail as the waitress. John Fiedler, the voice of Piglet, has a noteworthy role as the old man who throws off the groove. An advantage KOTS had was its inclusion of more predominant female roles. However, we at least have the always divine Wendie Malick as Chica, the studio's 1st pregnant animated character. David Spade was 1 of the 2 KOTS cast members who rolled with the punches, Spade managed to play a jerkish character entertainingly and convey Kuzco's character growth. As the retooled version of Pacha, John Goodman used their natural charm to portray a family man, community leader and the film's moral compass. The antagonist's aid was initially a talking talisman voiced by Harvey Fierstein. Not gonna lie, I would've dug that. Thankfully, we were gifted with the worthy substitution of Patrick Warburton's Kronk! Patrick had a remarkable grasp of the character's personality. He was surprisingly faultless match for Eartha Kitt, who was uproariously staggering as the character of Yzma. Eartha, the other cast member retained from KOTS, had acute instincts and total diligence. Kitt thrived as her character.

Despite the production's rockiness, this film has a feasible story (even though Yzma had a song that was cut). It's a buddy comedy. The movie is interestingly framed. It's like Kuzco creates us, the audience, in his mind, reflects on prior events, ceases his denial and realizes the error of their ways. Thanks to Sting, there's an anti-land development message. The film is ironically written. You'll find loads of moments with memorability. There's a multitude of distinct jokes. They're built-up and paid-off. The characters are so lively. This movie's climax is sturdy. It's followed by an enjoyable denouement.

The filmmakers transformed a troubled production into something diverting (I must say, the story of Kingdom of the Sun should be revisited as a comic or stage show, though). Watching the finished product, the production issues aren't evident. Director Mark Dindal took their skills and applied to the film. The movie's a modern classic. Its trailer did it justice, too. Thanks for reading. Also, this post is dedicated to the memory of Eartha Kitt, a mighty cool cat. Mrow!