Emporeror’s new groove

Disney’s latest animated feature is still going strong. It takes place somewhere in pre-Columbian America, where a spoiled young king (voice by David Spade) is deposed and turned into a llama by his evil advisor (Eartha Kitt). Lost and alone, he must rely on the help of a peasant he once disdained (John Goodman). The story may be predictable, but it’s balanced out by some very unpredictable flashes of visual humor. Spade and Goodman are amusing, while Kitt shows a surprising knack for vocal comedy. There are a couple of disposable songs by Sting, but the film frolics across the screen in a zippy 75 minutes.