Let’s start by showing y’all the trailers shall we?

Before we get too deep into the llama drama, here’s the short version:

The Emperor’s New Groove is a zany animated comedy that follows Kuzco, a spoiled and selfish Incan emperor who gets turned into a llama by his power-hungry advisor, Yzma. After being dumped in the jungle, Kuzco must rely on a kind-hearted villager named Pacha to get back to the palace and reverse the curse. Hilarity, hijinks, and heartfelt lessons ensue.

CHARACTER RUNDOWN

Kuzco (voiced by David Spade) – Arrogant, self-centered, sarcastic… and hilarious. Kuzco starts the film ready to bulldoze a man’s house for a water park (called Kuzcotopia, of course), but slowly (and I do mean painfully slowly) begins to change when he’s forced to rely on someone else.

Pacha (voiced by John Goodman) – The most wholesome man in the Incan empire. A family man through and through, Pacha is patient, kind, and ridiculously forgiving—even when Kuzco tells him he’s going to destroy his home. Pacha sees the good in people, even when it’s buried under layers of llama-sized ego.

Yzma (voiced by Eartha Kitt) – The living embodiment of evil and dramatic flair. Every outfit is a fashion crime and a fashion statement. She’s trying to seize the throne, and she has about five backup evil plans ready in case the first one fails (which it does. A lot). Her chemistry with Kronk? Iconic.

Kronk (voiced by Patrick Warburton) – An absolute legend. He’s the henchman who makes spinach puffs, talks to squirrels, and listens to the tiny shoulder angel and devil that appear whenever he needs advice. His theme music scene? Oscar-worthy.


PACING / EPISODE FLOW

This movie is chaos incarnate—in the best way possible. It speeds by at lightning pace, with each scene funnier than the last. From the villain lair shenanigans to jungle mishaps to llama-based life lessons, the film never drags. The transitions are quick, the jokes land hard, and the fourth-wall breaks? Oh we’ll get to those.

Also here’s the opening song which to me is iconic.

Also here’s a montage of the meme moments.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Emperor’s New Groove is one of those rare animated comedies that ages like wine. It’s endlessly quotable, visually creative, and completely unhinged. The jokes fly, the voice acting is top-tier, and the animation still holds up 20+ years later.

This movie broke the fourth wall way before Deadpool made it a trend. Kuzco literally interrupts the film to scribble on the screen, narrate over his own scenes, and berate the other characters mid-story. It’s meta, it’s bold, and it works.

Let’s not forget some of the most iconic lines ever uttered in animation:

“What!? A llama!? He’s supposed to be dead!”

“Boom, baby!”

“Why do we even have that lever!?”

“Wrong lever!!”

“Squeak, squeakity, squeak squeaken.”

“No touchy!”

“It’s called a cruel irony, like my dependence on you.”


RATING

10/10 – No notes. Maybe just one: more Kronk.

SPOILER WARNING

Okay, let’s break it down:

Kuzco gets turned into a llama because Yzma tries to poison him, but Kronk messes it up and gives him the wrong vial. He’s dumped into the jungle and discovered by Pacha, who even after hearing that Kuzco wants to bulldoze his house for a pool… decides to help him anyway. This man is the definition of patient.

Together, they journey back to the capital, facing jaguars, bridges (and collapsing ones), and llama-related meltdowns. Over time, Kuzco starts to grow and actually gives a damn. He learns the meaning of friendship, selflessness, and not being a royal pain.

Meanwhile, Yzma and Kronk bumble their way through sabotage attempts, which include disguises, roller coasters, and a bag of random potions that turn people into animals. The climax? Llama Kuzco has to outsmart Yzma in a chase sequence while trying to find the antidote.

The ending is actually super wholesome. Kuzco gives up his palace plans and builds a small house on a neighboring hill instead. He and Pacha become bros for life, Kronk gets a scout troop, and Yzma—well, she gets turned into a cat.

That’s karma, baby.

Final score stays a perfect 10/10. If you don’t like this movie… you might be the villain who pulled the wrong lever.