SVS: “The Emperor’s New Groove”

Last updated on: January 11, 2015 at 4:43 pm by Joseph Susanka

SVS: “The Emperor’s New Groove” 2015-01-11T16:43:54-07:00 Joseph Susanka

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

“The time has come,” the Walrus said, “to recommend the hippest, most outrageously hilarious Disney film currently available from NETFLIX INSTANT.”

…which is just another way of say that if it’s been as long a week for you as it’s been for me, I can think of no better antidote than to take some time over the next few days and watch The Emperor’s New Groove.

In this animated Disney adventure, a South American emperor experiences a reversal of fortune when his power-hungry adviser turns him into a llama.

http://youtu.be/t_YjSbp5KHM

The voice casting is perfect, and the famously-troubled script somehow managed to not only survive the turmoil, but to come out all the better for it. Which doubtless helps to explain its position as far-and-away the most-quoted Disney film in the Susanka household. …thought it’s not the kids’ “Most-Frequently Quoted.” It’s mine.

“Yeah. …Weird.”

Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised, because I’m the uber-sarcastic one in the house, not the boys. And it is easily among the most sarcastic of Disney Animation’s many offerings. But there are other things that make it stand out, as well, including having nearly the finest silly side-kick character in the studio’s up-and-down history of silly side-kicks. Plus, its villain that somehow doubles as a silly sidekick herself. And it’s about something unusual, as well. As my friend Steven Greydanus points out, it’s not “a love story, it’s a morality tale.” What about the oft-justified criticism of unnecessary, emotionally-manipulative fragmentation leveled at so many of Disney’s cinematic families? Not here:

Instead of the old Disney anti-family stereotypes (feeble or overbearing father, absent or irrelevant mother, etc.), there’s a refreshingly affectionate portrait of family life. Pacha (John Goodman), the magnanimous peasant who spends most of the movie helping the llama-emperor, is married to ChiCha (Wendie Malick), an attractive, very competent, very pregnant, stay-at-home mother of two; and their kids are adorable — and funny.

Kronk-and-Yzma It’s not the main point of the story, really, but it is a great family. And that accuracy seeps down into the entire film. In fact, now that I think on it, the number of times “Why do we even HAVE that lever” is actually the absolutely perfect phrase for a House of Seven Boys is mildly troubling. (The ease and alacrity with which I slip into “I’ll put that into a box, and then I’ll put that box inside of another box, and then I’ll mail that box to myself, and when it arrives… …I’ll smash it with a hammer!” isn’t mildly troubling, though. It’s full-on terrifying.)

So, go ahead. Watch it. With the whole family, or by yourself. I won’t judge you. I’ve been there myself. And it’s that good.

“Don’t tell me. We’re about to go over a huge waterfall.”

“Yep.”

“Sharp rocks at the bottom?”

“Most likely.”

“Bring it on.”

Attribution(s): Publicity images and movie stills are the property of Walt Disney Pictures and other respective production studios and distributors, and are intended for editorial use only.

Movies

Streaming Video Suggestions

Previous Post

June 5, 2014

Music To Write/Work By

Next Post

June 9, 2014 SSF: "Chinti"

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Art Baseball Faith Family Lenten Music Movies Music No Commentary Necessary Parked By the Jukebox Photography Politics Quodlibets Streaming Video Suggestions Summa Short Films Television The Man Behind the Booth Through a Lens, Darkly

Select a Month December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 July 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 November 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz