6/10
The recent onslaught of Disney’s highly profitable direct to video (DTV) sequels to theatrical hits has opted for a vanilla approach, simplifying the music, comedy, animation and action of the originals in the apparent belief that the DTV audience is much younger than the box office crowd. The latest release is Kronk’s New Groove (KNG), follow-up to the gloriously unconventional madcap comedy The Emperor’s New Groove (ENG). Does it keep the original’s manic irreverence going, or succumb to the commercial lethargy of its peers?
As a huge ENG fan I’m delighted to report that KNG delivers a healthy dose of the same brand of zany fun. The jokes are fewer, and only a handful are homeruns, but the film is consistently creative and amusing throughout, which is much more than one can say for previous DTV sequels. Yes, in typical Disney form KNG does have a heartwarming message to advance, although thankfully the point is not belabored as in the odious Mulan 2.
KNG is composed of three short stories connected to the main plot device: Kronk (Patrick Warburton) wants to impress his soon-to-visit draconian Papi (father), who raised him with high expectations, scant praise, and disdain for his love of cooking. ENG headliner Kuzco (David Spade) appears only via brief cameos in which he stops the film to offer commentary. The best and most similar to ENG features the return of arch villain Yzma (Eartha Kitt), last seen transformed into a cat. Back on two feet and seeking again to become emperor, she convinces the very popular Kronk to help sell a youth potion to the villagers so she can gain followers and he can earn enough to buy the large house Papi expects of him. Kronk’s single-minded pursuit of profit has calamitous consequences for his friends, and he eventually realizes something is fishy about that potion.
Next in the most low-key story Kronk takes his troop of Junior Chipmunks (JC) to compete in the annual JC Olympics, where he hopes to extend their unbeaten streak. One supposes the JC are inspired by the Junior Woodchucks organization that Huey, Dewey, and Louie belong to. Kronk faces what may be his greatest challenge yet when he and the opposing team’s fiercely competitive captain Ms. Birdwell (Tracey Ullman) begin to fall for one another whilst vying for supremacy.
In the final segment Papi (Frasier’s John Mahoney) shows up for his visit, and a terrified Kronk with no house and no wife persuades friend Pacha (John Goodman) to lend him his home and family for appearances. Recalling a similar scene in ENG, things get crazy when they go to Kronk’s restaurant for dinner and he has to secretly cook while entertaining and, due to some miscommunication, juggling numerous “wives”, including Pacha and Kuzco in drag.
Kronk has far more dialogue here than in ENG, and Warburton’s delivery is always effortlessly charming. Alternately sensitive and oblivious, we get to see a more vulnerable side of Kronk as he yearns for validation from Papi. Mostly though we get more of the same dimwitted goofball antics. To my great surprise there is a scene that indicates Kronk may be Jewish. Kitt’s Yzma continues to be one of Disney’s creepiest and yet most magnetic villains, while Ullman does her best prim and proper Emma Thompson impression as the slightly bland Birdwell, and Mahoney’s Papi struggles to live up to the fearsome reputation set forth by Kronk.
The titular lead owns most of the film’s few standout chuckles. When the wizened Yzma leans close and says she has a “proposition” for him Kronk recoils in absolute horror, until she clarifies it’s a “business proposition.” When Kronk’s shoulder angel suggests he speak to Birdwell because she’s upset Kronk gasps, “Upset? She’s beating me in effigy,” as they watch her viciously pound Kronk-shaped bread dough. Later when on the outs with Birdwell Kronk tearfully considers that all he has to remember her by are the oven mitts she gave him, only to have the waitress promptly knock them right into the blazing oven.
KNG is clearly a little more kid focused than ENG, if not nearly in the egregious manner of the other Disney sequels. ENG’s strong popularity as a cult comedy among older viewers causes me to question this direction, especially in light of the enormous success the recent Family Guy DTV film. That may be comparing apples and oranges though, and tots are probably much easier for Disney to market to. Still, a PG DTV comedy is something Disney might want to look in to.
Since ENG’s animation was fairly simple and cartoonish to begin with, there’s no great drop-off with KNG. It doesn’t dazzle but looks good. The one really striking image is the entrance to Yzma’s underground lair, which appears to be a sinister, feline take on Disneyland’s Small World ride. Speaking of which, amongst KNG’s few songs is a funky Earth, Wind, and Fire tune Kronk and Birdwell shake their tail feathers to, and Yzma’s fantastic big band romp “Feel like a Million” that brings the house down.
The special features are limited but better than average for a DTV release. In an astonishing break from Disney DVD tradition, Kronk’s Brain Game is genuinely entertaining. More multiple-choice quiz than game, the viewer picks the objects Kronk needs to complete three tasks. With each choice Kronk relates his hilariously improbable plan for using the object, such as scouring the globe for an elfin cobbler who can fashion magical shoes that will enable the JC to win a Riverdance competition.
Unfortunately it seems the staff ran out of creativity after Kronk’s game, as Pyramid Scheme is just a dull game show quiz about the film. Kids might enjoy the challenge though. Interestingly “Kuzco” narrates both games, but is voiced here by weak Spade impersonator J.P. Manoux, soon to star in the upcoming Emperor’s New School TV series.
Finally How to Cook a Movie gives a brief overview of the filmmaking process on Kronk. It’s probably very educational for kids, but only mildly informative for adults.
Even though Kronk’s New Groove is not as hip or as riotous as its predecessor, the big guy is still the life of the party. I don’t mean to damn with faint praise, but this is the best Disney DTV film in a decade. His star power decisively proven, the sky’s the limit for Kronk now. Look for him to headline an action blockbuster, or possibly the state of California.
