On those rare occasions when the Mouse House churns out something different, they hit the nail right on the head. The Emperor's New Groove is Disney's attempt at a comedy. "A comedy?" I here you ask "I thought they were all comedies" like the one where the cats talk to each other and sing and dance and the other one with the dalmations was so different and funny - oh I laughed out loud - and then there was the one where Robin Hood was a fox, that was really clever and funny, and then...

Alright, you get the picture. No, this is a modern animated comedy along the lines of Shrek, with the wit to rival some of the greats, both in live action and animation. The mannerisms and delivery of gags are spot on and the only songs are the ones during the beginning and end credits - even one of these has the balls to laugh at itself.

Okay, the plot is the standard Disney device - spoilt Emperor Kuzco (David Spade) is turned into a llama by his twisted and scheming adviser Yzma (Eartha Kit). After Yzma's right hand man Kronk (Patrick Warburton) looses his charge, the emperor/llama finds him/itself in a local peasant's cart. The peasant Pacha (John Goodman), who's home Kuzco was subsequently going to demolish, helps to find his way back to the palace, not realizing the danger he faces.

Here is a hero, who is a selfish and annoying little twirp, yet it his wit that excuses him, as he narrates us through the first portion of the film - "It's All About... ME". This is a laugh-a-minute thrill ride with crisp, clean and colourful animation running throughout. Originally planned as an epic on the history of the Incas, The Emperor's New groove has maintained the look of its original idea, somewhat distorted during the evolution into comedy.

Although most of the gags would go way over any five-year-old's head, the visuals and characters are certainly enough to keep younger viewers entertained. It's great to see a Disney film that is genuinely funny and doesn't take itself too seriously.