Reviews

Finally, Disney has reverted back to madcap mayhem and saved us from the frustratingly boring love songs by performers whose best days passed 20 years ago (or, in some cases never arrived) inherent in so many Disney cartoons of recent memory. The sharp, angular animation, the hilarious writing and voice talents, the clever references, and the editing and direction make this movie an unappreciated gem. Hopefully, in time, more people will come to appreciate this as cartoon film-making of the highest caliber. There was no obvious selling out by dragging dopey, "we-wrote-this-song-to-capture-an-overrated-Academy-Award-for-Best-Song" pabulum to be force-fed upon an audience that just wants to see the old Disney magic doing what it does best. This movie strikes the fine balance of appealing to people of all ages without sacrificing the quality of the writing and dialogue - not an easy task. Seeing this movie has instilled a sense of faith in me that Disney CAN still deliver the goods without relying on selling soundtracks. While David Spade (as Kuzco) and John Goodman (as Pacha) deliver hilarious and warming performances, Patrick Warburton (as Kronk) and Eartha Kitt (as Yzma) are two of the most enjoyable villains in Disney's pantheon of characters. Kronk is probably the most lovable henchman Disney has ever produced. The supporting voices are top-notch (especially Wendie Malick as ChiCha) and bring out a well-rounded characterization void of caricature.

Fine performances by all in this story about growing up, social alienation, belonging, and reaching across lines of prejudice in the Bronx in 1963. The rapidly changing social climate is nicely addressed as a subtext to a plot line that could have easily been dragged into hyperbole, or worse, melodrama. Thankfully, this film is a warts-and-all, brutally honest narrative with hard-hitting performances and gritty, street-level direction and cinematography. Guaranteed to keep a person from channel-surfing - provided that person has an appreciation for solid film-making.

...still a bad movie. This is a movie that defined creepy teenaged boys. I would love to get another chance to see it, if for no other reason, to confirm how deliciously awful it was. I remember watching this movie and thinking, "Okay, I'll just turn the channel at the next commercial." Of course, by that time I had invested an evening's-worth of my time and decided to just see it through too its all-too-predictable finish. I guess by either recommending this movie or explaining how terrible it was and STILL saying I watched the whole darn thing might tempt the casual viewer into watching it IS a bit sadistic. Hmmm...I guess there is a little Bad Ronald in all of us.

This movie really DID exist. For the longest time, I thought this movie was synthesized from my collective unconscious. I remember seeing this movie on some impossibly late program about 25 years ago and being genuinely moved by it. Unashamedly sentimental, yet not too saccharine treatment of a man on the lam who finds refuge at a summer camp for blind children. A surprisingly well-casted movie with a decent soundtrack that would definitely appeal to the "Grab-a-hanky" set. Not a movie I would go out of my way to see - except for the purpose of reminiscing about the first (and only) time I saw it - but, I would definitely watch it if it appeared on my television while channel-surfing.

Where does one start when commenting on this Disney classic? I had never seen this movie in its entirety until I found a copy in England Don't try looking for it in the U.S. - or anywhere else now, for that matter. Sensitive subject matters and political-correctness have conspired to rob the viewing public of a true motion picture treasure. As my friend, Andy, once said, "It's a little TOO Southern..." - meaning that Disney has deemed that showing/distributing a film that acknowledges slavery but does not condemn it would not dovetail with its wholesome image. It was probably the right decision, but unless this movie reappears in some form or other, it will eventually be lost for future generations. Whether it's James Baskett's mesmerizing and moving performance, the vivid cinematography, or the morality-driven Harris short-stories, this movie hits you from all angles. I remember after seeing this film that I wished I had an Uncle Remus to guide me through life's obstacles (as a family member/friend and certainly not as a slave). Do not discount James Baskett's performance. He made the character his own. Even Mr. Harris would probably acknowledge that this was the best person for the role as it seemed to be written with Baskett in mind. I could not possibly imagine anyone else in the role of Uncle Remus. The animation was typical Disney brilliance and the juxtaposition of animation and live-action looks great even when measured against today's technologically-enhanced magic. The only caraway seed in this slice of brilliance was Johnny, who looked like he was complaining even when he wasn't talking. I could watch this movie over and over again, but will resist wearing out my tape so that my children can enjoy it for years to come, too.