There is one cartoon that stands head and shoulders above the rest in my collection of movies: Emperor's New Groove.

Admittedly, this was an acquired taste.  The first time I saw it, I enjoyed it but didn't think it was all that fantastic.  Then I watched it about five times during my last semester at college.  My roommates and I had a couple friends whose idea of a relaxing evening was coming over to our place and watching ENG.  On the second or third time around, I finally stopped paying attention to the main characters and looked at what was going on in the background.

What a hoot!

This movie is one of the few where the cartoonists basically just cut loose and had fun with all the background details.  You don't notice them initially, but once you start to, then one finds all kinds of little sight-gags.

It's kind of like watching Over the Hedge, which is another excellent cartoon.  Throughout the movie there are references to other movies: Citizen Kane, Space Odessey 2001, etc.  The kids watching this movie are just like, "OK, that was a fun scene" but the adults are snorting and giggling at an entirely different level.

Unfortunately, I must confess that I know people who - despite an honest effort -  have no love for "that llama movie".  It's sad and I feel bad for them.  

Cronk's New Groove is the sequel, and I still have not seen it ... yet.  I'm sort of saving it for that moment when I really need a good pickmeup.  Kind of like getting a random present and then waiting to open it.  The anticipation is part of the delight.

Classic ENG quote:

"Uh oh."

"Don't tell me, we're about to go over a giant waterfall."

"Yep."

"Sharp rocks at the bottom?"

"Most likely."

"Bring it on..."

Watch. Delight. Share.

Thor