Kronk' New Groove (December 13, 2005)

This is the direct-to-video sequel and spin-off to the 2000 film The Emperor’s New Groove. The basic plot sees Emperor Kuzco narrate the story about Kronk, now chef and Head Delivery Boy of Mudka's Meat Hut, who is fretting over the upcoming visit of his father. Kronk's father always disapproved of young Kronk's culinary interests and wished that Kronk instead would settle down with a wife and a large house on a hill. Through two flashbacks it is shown that Kronk gained and subsequently lost both a large house on a hall and a wife. When we get back to the present, we see Kronk try to impress his father and his father’s true impression of him. This premise of Kronk having to impress his father is unexpected and super cliqued. I do not understand why sons are always craving the approval of a stern and disapproving father. There was so much potential to do something special with the concept or the original cast of characters, but it was wasted on this generic plot. I do not understand why Miss Birdwell has a British accent. No other character has it. I also do not like her character in general and I feel their romance is forced (though I did enjoy the dance/ baking montage despite its overuse of popular culture references). Kronk did not need a wife. Also, the framing device of Kuzco watching this film while Kronk is also narrating flashbacks is confusing and unnecessary- Either have flashbacks or watch a film not both (Kuzco was a welcome addition, I am surprised to admit). Overall, this is a predictable and lackluster sequel. While I loved Kronk in the original film, he just is not interesting or funny enough for his own movie. He needs someone to bounce off of, or just remain a lovable side character. I would much rather have seen a sequel with Kuzco as the protagonist again with a completely new partner.

Final Rating: 3/10