December 20, 2000 -- If you think Disney animated features had been getting a little too contemplative and cerebral lately, here's one that harkens back to the Mickey Mouse days. It is a simple story with a lot of wacky slapstick humor. No ecological, archetypal, or dark, complex moralistic overtones. Just a story about a self-centered emperor who gets taught a lesson in humility. It isn't deep, but it is a lot of fun.

The emperor, Kuzco (voice by David Spade of TV's "Just Shoot Me"), rules an Aztec-like kingdom with absolute authority which has absolutely gone to his head. He is thoughtless and cruel. He fires his assistant, Yzma (voice by the venerable Eartha Kitt, who has been in movies since 1948). Big mistake, Yzma is a powerful sorceress. She decides to kill Kuzco and take his place. Like all Disney villains, Yzma has a dull-witted minion. Yzma's assistant is Kronk (voice by Patrick Warburton of "Scream 3"). While Kronk does what he is told most of the time, he is good-natured and likable.

Instead of poisoning Kuzco, Kronk administers a potion that turns Kuzco into a llama. He is then carted off away from the palace to a small farm, where Pacha (voice by John Goodman) tries to help the wretched creature, even though he knows Kuzco intends to destroy his farm in order to put up a pleasure palace. Even though Kuzco is very stubborn and ill-tempered, Pacha keeps trying to help him. The idea is to get Kuzco back to the palace and find a potion that will turn him back into a man. While Kuzco is almost absurdly self-centered, even for a teenager, Pacha hopes to persuade Kuzco to spare his farm. He feels that Kuzco has some good in him and may be worth saving.

Getting back to the palace is no easy task, as Kuzco and Pacha are chased by leopards and are pursued by Yzma and Kronk. They fall into raging rivers, over cliffs, waterfalls and other hazards. The action is fast and funny. There are a number of anachronisms, such as a guy selling trampolines in a very convenient place to further the plot. The more brutal aspects of Aztec, Mayan and Inca life are glossed over for the purposes of the movie. The supernatural aspects of the plot are included mainly for laughs. There is also a funny bit involving an anachronistic fast food place in the middle of the jungle. A flood of cliffhangers and wisecracks keep things interesting. The action is brightly and colorfully drawn. The soundtrack features tunes sung by Tom Jones and Sting. Original music is by John Debney, David Hartley, and Sting, who wrote songs for the movie. The movie is directed by Mark Dindal, who was the visual effects supervisor of "The Little Mermaid." This film rates a B.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.