BeforeTangledwrapped up peoples imaginations andFrozenbegan its effort to conquer the world, Disney Animation wasnt enduring its hottest stretch.
There was a glimmer of light, however:The Emperors New Groove.
New Groovewas released in December 2000.
Credit: Disney
From a purely anecdotal standpoint, its not held with the same reverence as some of its contemporaries.
Heres why its criminally underrated:
Yzma is a legit scary villain.
Yzma is not only the advisor but the de facto mom to Emperor Kuzco.
She is starved for power, and will truly stop at nothing to seize the throne.
She orders the death of the teen even if hes a pain, thats extreme!
The lead character isnt initially likable, and thats refreshing.
Not only is Kuzco not relatable, hes a legit jerk.
The rapport between Kuzco and Pacha.
Its a classic film pairing of two people who dont like each other or have much in common.
ThinkMidnight Run, but without Robert De Niro F-bombs or violence.
Pacha merely wants to preserve his village from becoming a waterslide, up against the tyranny of a brat.
But he never stops trying to be earnest and generally helpful.
From the back-to-back chasm climb to the diner, things couldnt be happier.
Their turbulence makes the resulting bromance and water-sliding all the sweeter.
The lovable Kronk is dim, but he shines in so many ways.
For one, hes a cooking savant.
Hes also a wildlife enthusiast, exhibited by his pro bird-watching and squirrel conversation.
To take a nostalgia trip,streamThe Emperors New Groove,currently available on Netflix.
