Kronk's New Groove
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Movie Reviews of Kronk's New Groove
Movie Review: Emperors' sequel can still pack a Groove
Summary: 3 Stars
The Emperor's New Groove was definitely one of the more original and satisfyingly funny Disney films, straying away from the typical outcast-becomes-hero storyline that has been plaguing the company's storytelling for years. To add insult to injury, they have been releasing sequels to all their classics. So upon hearing that they were adding a second 'New Groove' movie, it was both a skeptical and an exciting anticipation. Does Kronk's New Groove live up to its predecessor? Not quite. But much like The Three Musketeers before it, it is still one of the better straight-to-home features that Disney has released, and that alone makes it worth a look.
In this sequel we follow Izma's former henchman, Kronk, and his background and hardships following the events of the first film. Most of the characters make a comeback here, and we are even introduced to a new one, Ms. Birdwell. Her persona is pretty questionable (why'd they give her an English accent?), and the romance between her and Kronk may turn people off, but luckily it's kept to a minimum. The movie retains a very similar visual flair to the first film, so those who enjoyed Emperor should have no difficulty adjusting to this one. The soundtrack has its own share of funky tunes to groove to, while all of the other original characters' voices make a short, but sweet, return.
Kronk's New Groove still lacks the quick wit humor found in its predecessor, which will disappoint those looking for the same kind of laughs. And while it borrows a lot of the same comedic slapstick cues used in the first film, they aren't as effectively funny the second time around. It tries hard to imitate Emperor, but everything comes off recycled and tired. However, the movie makes up for it in its richer well-made storyline, at least enough to keep you interested all the way through. It also goes as far to teach some moral values, even more so than the previous film. As a sequel, this is a three-star movie. But standing on its own, it does deserve four stars. Anyone who enjoyed The Emperor's New Groove should still look into it, and hope that Disney decides to produce more original content.
Movie Review: Disney has Whip Up a decent 3 Stars
I mean the kids enjoyed this sequel. There are some funny bits in this film. There's a good helping of your basic, physical humor that youngsters will like, but the jokes I enjoyed the most were ones that a lot of youngsters probably won't "get."I have the strange suspicion that "Kronk's New Groove" might actually play better for adults than for children, even though the latter are clearly the target audience. That is because I think the funniest things in the movie tend to be the references to other films, from "Pulp Fiction" to "Lady and the Tramp," and kids are just not going to be able to catch everything. Plus, the romance between Kronk and Miss Birdwell might distract kids from the point about sportsmanship that the movie wants to make. Kuzco pops up from time to time to remind us that he still needs a major ego adjustment, but he is just distracting and has his own spin-off, "The Emperor's New School," coming out next year for those who like Spade in low-gear.
The DVD bonus materials are scaled down for a direct to video DVD, with "Kronk's Brain Game" and "Pyramid Scheme" checking how well you paid attention to the movie. There is also a short featurette on "How to Cook a Movie" that provides youngsters with the basics of how a movie like this gets made. The bottom line on this one is to simply follow the lead of your children. If "The Emperor's New Groove" is one of their favorite Disney films, then they should enjoy this sequel. But if you do not already have a copy of the original, then you can forgo the sequel.
Movie Review: An entertaining, though weakly plotted sequel
Summary: 3 Stars
First of all, let me just say that Kronk's New Groove is very, very funny with a good amount of laugh out loud moments. Surely that is all that matters then, eh? Well, no. Compared to the first film, the story is pretty tepid.
All of the previous characters return. Of course there is Kronk himself, along with Kuzco, Pacha and his family, the babbling squirrel and Yzma (who has now turned mostly back into a 'human' but still features a cat's tail and feline abilities). The movie tries to incorporate all of them into the story but nothing really sticks. It all just seems like an excuse for mayhem.
As before, it is told in flashback with Kronk explaining how he ended up in such sorry circumstances. His dad is coming to visit him and he's afraid of the inevitable disapproval he'll get as all he's managed to do with his life is be a Junior Chipmunk Troup Leader and run a restaurant kitchen. His dad thinks that cooking and talking to animals isn't a 'real job' and won't give Kronk the big thumbs up until he's got his own house on a hill with loads of money.
From this thin idea comes loads of deception, scheming and hijinks. And that's basically the movie. It IS packed full of hilarious moments and wonderful Looney Tunes-inspired humor like the first, but it just lacks that overall high-quality. Still, it's loads of fun and any fan of The Emperor's New Groove must give it a rent.
The DVD is in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen with Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 soundtracks. The extras are minimal and aimed at kids.
Movie Review: 3.5 stars: Not as brilliant as "The Emperor's New Groove" but fun
Summary: 3 Stars
I have to confess I have minimal hopes (close to none, actually) when it comes down to Disney "Part 2" movies. Almost every single one of them I have seen has dissapointed me. So, in the same way, I had very low hopes for "Kronk's New Groove", very much so, the second part of "The Emperor's New Groove". To beat the first one or be just as good was a tall order: David Spade stole the show on that one, making it a very happy surprise for most movie viewers.
Kronk, indeed being a secondary character in the first one, takes on center stage here. And while his story lacks some of the appeal that made the first one a hit, the directorial duo manages to pull off a pretty funny flick, starring the same cast of voices from the first movie (Spade, Patrick Warburton -Kronk-, John Goodman -Pacha, the Emperor's partner from the first movie- and Eartha Kitt -Yzma, the villain-, among others). The movie is packed with tongue-in-cheek moments that I found amusing and my son laughed to over and over again. Also, there is a nice lesson to the story that kids older than my two-year-old can also learn from.
Considering the extras were not that big of a deal (that loses the movie half a star), and I would have given it 4 stars for what it was to me and how it was able to entertain my little one, I ended up giving it 3.5 stars. It's not going to be groundbreaking, but it's worth the laughs you will get.
Movie Review: Entertaining and worth a Rental
Summary: 3 Stars
My whole family loved the Emperor's New Groove and so a movie staring Kronk, one of our favorite characters, seemed like it might be decent. Granted, this is a Disney sequal and not a work of perfection, but it was very entertaining, though lacking in plot structure.
This story now takes place right after the original film and Kronk is working as a chef and delivery boy for the diner featured in ENG. However, he's terrified as a visit from his unapproving father is on the horizon.
We get to look back and see how Kronk is once again blinded by promises from Ezma and falls in love with another Chipmunk(?) Troup leader. However, in the later, the romance is more ridiculous than sweet and the silly little nicknames and dances quickly erase any feeling of sympathy for either character.
BUt we laughed, right? Yeah, I guess, there were several very funny, laugh out loud moments which really makes this movie worth the rent(among those being the little "headhunter" gag which makes my brother an I laugh like maniacs (yeah, we're really odd)). However, overall, its lacking enough that I doubt I'll see it very many more times and will likely not purchase it.
I guess this is one of those things where you can choose whether or not to buy or rent this movie. IT's funny and probably a good watch for anyone, but I would think twice before buying it.