What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this show is intended for
entertainment purposes only -- despite the potentially
interesting and educational setting (an Incan empire), there's
no learning about history or the culture of these people. The
main character, Kuzco, is a self-absorbed teen. He lies and
cheats in order to secure his high school diploma. He's also
disrespectful to adults.
Families who watch this show can discuss why Kuzco faces challenges with friends and administrators at school and what changes he could make to be more likable. Could his terrible attitude and actions be a way to cover up his normal adolescent feelings of insecurity? Would kids want to be friends with someone like Kuzco given how he treats others?
Common Sense Media Review
THE EMPEROR'S NEW SCHOOL is a feeble attempt to ride on the
coattails of the popular animated film
The
Emperor's New Groove. Featuring the same characters, this
cartoon focuses on Kuzco, a pompous would-be emperor teen who
has been forced out of the palace and lives with his peasant
buddy Pacha and family. He cannot become emperor without
earning his high school diploma, so he does what he does best,
which is lie and cheat his way out of every obstacle between
him and the diploma.
His arch rival in school and life is the brawny, dim-witted Kronk and the evil Yzma, who uses her magic to prevent Kuzco from obtaining his diploma. As expected, her tricks always fail with dramatic results. Nevertheless, the voice of Eartha Kitt and her famous snarls and guttural vocalizations are the best part of the show and the only reason to tune in, if you must.
Narrated by Kuzco, The Emperor's New School follows his silly escapades around school and the Incan community. Despite his unlikable personality, he's supported by not only kind Pacha, but also a female classmate named Malina, who Kuzco describes as a "hottie hot hottie." Though the cartoon is targeted at young elementary-aged kids, even these viewers are savvy enough to ask, "Why would anyone want to help him?" The show is free of violence but its lackluster animation and annoying characters are not worth even a half-hour of down-time.
Kids may also want to check out other shows based on Disney movies, like Lilo & Stitch , or spin-off videos like Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins .
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
