“It’s almost like you should thank Yzma for robbing you of every last cent.” —Kronk
Today’s quick review: Kronk’s New Groove. After stepping down as Yzma’s (Eartha Kitt) henchman, Kronk (Patrick Warburton) has turned over a new leaf. Now working as a fry cook and a delivery boy, Kronk has earned the friendship of everyone in his village. But when he learns that his father (John Mahoney) is dropping by to visit, he scrambles to put together a life his father would be proud of, even if it is just a fake.
Kronk’s New Groove is an animated family comedy that picks up after the events of The Emperor’s New Groove. With Kuzco (David Spade) and Pacha’s (John Goodman) story wrapped up, the movie turns its attention to Kronk, a reformed evil minion with a big heart and a knack for cooking. The story consists of two adventures tied together by Kronk’s father’s visit. Kronk’s New Groove shows flashes of charm but suffers from a weak story and recycled jokes.
Kronk’s New Groove has some of the same problems as other animated sequels. Kuzco and Pacha were the heart of the original film, but they are reduced to cameos here. Putting Kronk and some of the supporting characters in the spotlight throws off the movie’s balance. The story is bland and relies on stock morals about being yourself and telling the truth. Finally, the humor has an excessive number of callbacks and has a hard time standing on its own.
Even with these impediments, Kronk’s New Groove still manages to capture some of the spirit of the original. The voice acting is fantastic, showing off the talents of Patrick Warburton, Eartha Kitt, and the others. The story is cute whenever it’s trying something original rather, although it flags when it relies on contrived drama. Kronk’s New Groove never quite comes together, but it does have the makings of a proper sequel.
How much you get out of Kronk’s New Groove will depend on how exacting you are as a viewer. Those looking for a worthy sequel that shows off the same creativity as The Emperor’s Groove will find it sadly lacking. Those looking for a chance to spend more time with the characters and experience a light, energetic story will find it to be a fun experience. Most viewers will want to skip it, but those who are curious should give it a try.
For an animated comedy with a richer story, higher production values, and the same talented cast, try The Emperor’s New Groove. For an animated sequel from Disney that follows a similar formula, try Atlantis: Milo’s Return.
[5.8 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0401398/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for light fun with a shaky foundation.