Film Screening 12th August, 2001

Poster for The Emperor's New Groove

The Emperor's New Groove 

1:30 PM, 12th August, 2001

  • G
  • 78 mins
  • 2000
  • Mark Dinda
  • Don Jakoby, David Diamond, David Weissman
  • David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Tom Jones

When a young, selfish and self-obsessed emperor is turned into a lama... Look, I know that most of you barely glanced at the title and the first dozen words of my plot synopsis before thinking: nope, no way am I seeing that, and besides, it's a Disney cartoon, I bet there's a singing teapot. Well, it's your loss. This particular Disney cartoon is exhilaratingly funny from beginning to end, often with the kind of humour you'd find in "The Simpsons", or used to find, before it went downhill. So, can I begin the plot synopsis again, and this time, could you try to be a little less dismissive? Thank you.
When a young, selfish emperor is turned into a llama, he can't help thinking that it must be some kind of clerical oversight. The entire world revolves around him, everyone adores him, how could a mere underling be plotting against him? He's so pathologically self-absorbed you want to club him over the head which is exactly what someone does but a good-natured peasant named Pacha (voiced by John Goodman) sees in him something vaguely resembling a decent human being, and decides to help him regain his throne. Good story, superb animation, impeccable comic timing. You'll thank me for recommending this one.

Henry Fitzgerald

Poster for The Rugrats in Paris

The Rugrats in Paris 

2:48 PM, 12th August, 2001

  • G
  • 78 mins
  • 2000
  • Stig Bergqvist, Paul Demeye
  • David N. Weiss, J.David Stern, Jill Gorey, Barbara Herndon
  • Voices: Christine Cavanaugh, Elizabeth Daily, Cheryl Chase, Susan Sarandon, John Lithgow, Tim Curry, Debbie Reynolds

Rugrats in Paris surprisingly sweet story, which is built around the efforts of the tremulous and recalcitrant Chuckie to replace his deceased mother, is rife with multi-layered humour (there's stuff for parents and their kids) and briskly paced (despite the occasionally ill-advised musical interlude - not all of the tunes by Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh work their intended magic). The story begins when Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, Angelica, Baby Dil and Didi, accompanied by their long-suffering parents, get a trip to Paris courtesy of the eccentric Stu Pickles. In a classic romantic tradition, Chuckie's widower dad, Chas, falls in love during his vacation - with the wrong woman. If the Rugrats don't stop the wedding at Notre Dame, Chuckie will inherit an evil stepmother, voiced by Susan Sarandon, instead of the soft maternal creature he so yearns for.
Vocal cameos, an ankle-biting parody of The Godfather, a satirical take on international theme parks, and other knowing winks Rugrats In Paris has all sorts. The best of the grownup shots are aimed Euro-Disney's way (EuroReptar land is even more hideous than you imagine it will be), and the best of the kiddie jokes are handled by Phil and L'il, whose "bubbling tummies" lead them into all sorts of mischief, mayhem and soap (sorry, tripped over into Fight Club territory for a second). Granted, Rugrats in Paris has a potty-mouth. And nose. And ears. And bottom. All I can say is, goody! Now leave my dumb babies alone so we can have some more fun.

Steven Cain