Most everyone's heard the motivational sayings, "If at first you don't succeed, try again" and "Practice makes perfect." Yet, such quests for success and perfection - while admirable in their own right - often result in lofty goals and expectations that can't be met. As a result, and notwithstanding any degree of "lesser" success, they often give those directly involved in such quests a sense of failure.
That often results in increased stress and premature burnout, and then apathy and eventual quitting. Such problems affect most every aspect of life, both personal and occupational. While films don't have any particular stranglehold on such troubles, the fact that many of them cost so much to produce, take so long to complete and often represent the future of those directly involved, if not the studio backing them, seems to increase expectations surrounding them.
Such quests for high box office returns and/or award nominations often result in films that are lacking in the sort of fun that audiences want to sense and experience. Accordingly, it's not unusual for many films to feel rather cold and calculating, as if the filmmakers and studios were so fixated about making a perfect end product that they took all of the life out of it while doing so.
Although every studio suffers from that to one degree or another, Disney seemed to be particularly afflicted regarding its traditional animated efforts back in 2000. That's not to say that there wasn't fun to be had in their films, but the studio's track record resulted in some elevated expectations that were difficult, if not impossible, to better.
The early years, of course, resulted in most of what are considered the studio's classic animated films, but the Big Mouse House then went through a long and dry spell where nothing really worked. Then along came "Beauty and Beast" -- the only animated film to be nominated for Best Picture -- and "The Lion King," the top-grossing animated film for a long time.
Ever since then, the studio had seemingly been trying to equal or top the critical and box office success of those films. Their subsequent efforts were a mixed bag from a critical and financial perspective, but those lofty goals had yet to be met. Perhaps the problem had been that they're simply trying too hard to knock another one out of the ballpark, when they should instead just step up to the plate, take a casual swing, and see what results that might bring, all while having a good time doing so.
That certainly seems to be what they did with "The Emperor's New Groove," one of the studio's more enjoyable animated efforts at the time of its 200 release. Reportedly once a straight dramatic flick, someone in the chain of command evidently was bright enough to give the film a complete comedic overhaul, and the results are nothing short of entertaining.
Gone are the heavy-handed "message" moments and/or symbolism, as well as the obvious efforts of trying to better their previous films' animation style and effects. In their place is a seemingly carefree throwback to the screwball comedies of old. The story, crafted by screenwriter David Reynolds, isn't anything particularly notable or special, as it's yet just another take on the mismatched road movie pair. The way in which it's been fashioned and then helmed by director Mark Dindal ("Cats Don't Dance"), however, evokes the fun and spirit of the Marx Brothers, the comedic works of Howard Hawks and many others.
Of course, one's potential enjoyment of the film rests entirely with their appreciation - or not - of the typical work of David Spade ("Lost & Found," TV's "Just Shoot Me"). While one obviously doesn't see the comedian, his snide vocal delivery and attitude are ever present. I'll be honest and admit that I've never been particularly fond of him in leading roles - although I've often liked his supporting work - but his presence and the typical sort of character he always plays actually works quite well here.
It's no surprise that his arrogant and insensitive character will get in his share of snide remarks both before and during his receiving of his comeuppance, or that he'll eventually change his ways and be a nice guy (it is, after all, a G-rated Disney cartoon). Yet, the way in which all of that transpires - as filtered through a heavy dose of screwball comedy material - results in a lively, enjoyable and often quite funny experience.
A "near miss" sequence - where two evil characters nearly catch sight of the emperor while his new partner tries to prevent that from happening - is easily one of the film's highlights. It includes various close calls involving a revolving kitchen door and the creative use of some restaurant menus, just like they used to do in such movies of old.
Although the entire film is a comedy - and includes some quite funny bits with Spade's character also serving as the film's narrator (somewhat along the lines of "George of the Jungle") - its best humor comes from the "comic relief" sidekicks and supporting characters.
While Eartha Kitt (Catwoman on the old "Batman" TV show) voices the villainess (which results in some amusing moments when she's turned into a kitten), it's Patrick Warburton ( Puddy on TV's "Seinfeld") as her somewhat dimwitted and easily distracted right-hand man who steals the show. Given the film's best material and humorous lines, Warburton - like the rest of the performers -- is perfectly cast for the character, with which he runs with reckless abandon.
John Goodman ("Coyote Ugly," "What Planet Are You From?") pretty much plays the sensitive straight man, while several brief bits featuring an upset squirrel are very funny and rather reminiscent of material from the old Looney Tunes cartoons.
In fact, most of the film seems that way. Although much of it was assuredly quite calculated and contemporary jokes and humor reside in the period setting (much like occurred in "Aladdin"), it comes off feeling light and fresh, as if everyone involved in the making of it had as much fun doing so as both kids and adults alike will have in watching it. It might not be Disney's best animated effort, but it's certainly highly enjoyable and entertaining nonetheless.
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