Director Mark Dindal brings a welcome change of pace to Disney animation, with this refreshingly hip take on the mismatched buddy genre. Emperor Kuzco (David Spade) is the arrogant young ruler of a mythical South American kingdom, who is transformed into a llama by his power-hungry adviser, Yzma (Eartha Kitt), and cast into the jungle. Kuzco's only chance to reclaim his throne rests with affable peasant Pacha (John Goodman), whose picturesque village was due to be razed to accommodate the Emperor's new summer palace. Originally planned as a more serious musical (Kingdom of the Sun - complete with songs by Sting), the film has been given a totally new comedic spin thanks to the presence of Spade (star of US sitcom Just Shoot Me). Just as Aladdin was built around the quick-fire personality of Robin Williams, Spade brings his rapier-like sarcasm, vocal dexterity and brilliant timing to the proceedings. Kitt also contributes a barnstorming turn - etching Yzma as a cross between Cruella De Vil and Bette Davis. With farcically dangerous misadventures taken straight from the manic Chuck Jones/Tex Avery rule book, this colourful, stylish and more adult endeavour has the character-driven pace missing from recent Disney animations. The Emperor's New Groove is witty, engaging and groovy - in spades!

Emperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his ex-administrator Yzma, and must now regain his throne and his human form with the help of Pacha, a gentle llama herder.