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101 Dalmatians
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Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
Find all by Walt Disney Video
Directed By: Stephen Herek
Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Picture Format: Letterbox
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Theatrical Release: November 27, 1996
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
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Starring: Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, Joan Plowright, Hugh Laurie
It's hard to know who thought it would be a good idea to make a live-action version of Disney's animated classic. The one bright notion anyone had was casting Glenn Close as Disney über-villainess Cruella de Vil; her flashing eyes and angular features are a perfect match and do credit to what is one of the most indelible animated characters Disney has ever created. The story remains essentially the same, focusing on Cruella's plot to kidnap the puppies of a young married couple (Jeff Daniels and Jolie Richardson) and make them into a coat. But the dreaded John Hughes, who wrote this script, fills it with sadistic slapstick and far too few genuine laughs. The human actors work hard, but to little avail; thankfully, there's a passel of puppies to regularly steal scenes when the going gets dreary--although there are only so many laughs to be had from inappropriate dog puddles. --Marshall Fine
User Submitted 101 Dalmatians Reviews
November 19, 2008
101 Dalmatians
Modern technology has taken live-action filmmaking to limitless heights, but there are still some stories that are more suited for feature-animation. Dodie Smith's "The Hundred and One Dalmatians" is one of them. Walt Disney knew this and his "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" is one of the most loved animated films of all time. Unfortunately, director John Hughes did not and his live-action remake, "101 Dalmatians, comes up short in the end.
It is not a bad film, but it is incredibly awkward and extremely unfocused at times. Instead of a seamless blend of animal and human characters, we are now forced to get involved almost solely with the two-legged heroes of the picture, which is occasionally sweet, but obviously not right for a film that is supposed to be about dogs. Pongo and Perdita along with their brood of ninety-nine puppies have been pushed to the wayside and the collection of fur and feathered supporting players, which include a menagerie of barnyard creatures, are reduced to slapstick.
Cruella DeVil is still the driving force of the plot, but Glenn Close's marvelously overblown performance is still no match for her animated predecessor voiced by Betty Lou Gerson. And Cruella's bumbling cronies, Horace and Jasper (Mark Williams and Hugh Laurie) are merely cockney clones of the burglars in the "Home Alone" movies, which coincidentally were also directed by John Hughes.
The only characters that seem right are Roger (Jeff Daniels) and Anita (Joely Richardson). Daniels and Richardson have genuine chemistry and the prescence of Joan Plowright only adds to the warmth. The three of them deserve a movie of their own.
October 12, 2008
LIVE-ACTION REMAKE IS PERFECT COMPANION TO ORIGINAL ANIMATED FILM.
John Hughes' ("Sixteen Candles", "The Breakfast Club," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off") live-action remake (directed by Stephen Herek) of this beloved Disney animated classic is long on slapstick and other types of physical humor. It's easy to see Glenn Close's portrayal of evil dog-napping Cruella De Vil as a Disney variation of her manipulative, scary (and best-remembered) roles in "Fatal Attraction" and "Dangerous Liaisons." Glenn Close keeps Cruella close to her original cartoon origins, going deliciously and delightfully over the top. Clearly, Cruella is another Disney Witch.
To emphasize this point, there is a scene where Cruella, draped in lion skin, gazes at her reflection and says, "Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Who is the Fairest One Of All?" Hugh Laurie (of TV's "House") portrays one of Cruella's criminal cronies. It is great fun to watch assorted animals (dogs, racoons, rabbits, birds, pigs, etc.) rule over evil, but stupid, humans who attempt to kill or abuse them. Joan Plowright ("Nanny") and the always dependable Jeff Daniels ("Roger Darling", human pet of Dalmation Dog Pongo) are featured as two of the more kind humans.
I'm very glad Disney has released both the original animated and live-action versions (Which I have wanted for a LONG time) of "101 Dalmations" on DVD. If you are a fan of the original animated version, you will likely enjoy the live-action remake as well. The two versions perfectly compliment each other. My favorite line of dialogue here comes towards the end. In the police wagon, Cruella screams at her three criminal cohorts, "Outwitted by a bunch of animals! You three have just one the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in the Morons Olympics!!" Jasper then asks, "Who won the Gold?"
The Sequel, "102 Dalmations", however, should be AVOIDED, by ALL means.
September 21, 2008
One of my childhood favorites.
I have to admit, like "Toy Story," "101 Dalmatians" was one of my favorite childhood favorites from Disney. Although the worst part of the film was that Cruella DeVille use to give me the freaks. But I would have to admit that even though she still gives me the freaks, Glenn Close's performance is actually pretty good.
The movie tells the story of a guy named Roger who has a dog named Pongo and then he falls in love with a lady named Anita. Anita has a dog named Pertie. But the real catch of the dog is that they are dalmatians. Soon, Roger and Anita get married and together they have their own life with their maid Nanny.
The family soon gets puppies, which are dalmatians, but the one thing that is bothering them is that Cruela DeVille wants to kidnap them. She hires her two best friends, Jesper and Horace, to kidnap them. Pongo and Pertie want to find their missing puppies.
The DVD doesn't offer too much but sneak peeks. But it's still a great movie and a fun movie to watch. Different from the cartoon version, but that's all right. I was at least entertained with the movie and now we also have "102 Dalmatians" for me to finish.
September 11, 2008
Glenn Close steals the show
Disney remade their classic animated film of the same name 35 years after the original, as a live-action movie in 1996. The tale is familiar to most: two Dalmatians, Pongo & Perdy, bring their owners together. Roger (Jeff Daniels) and Anita (Joely Richardson) fall in love almost at first site when they meet in the park. They get married and their Dalmatians have puppies. Sounds like a lovely romantic tale, right? It would be if it weren't for Anita's boss, the evil Cruella de Vil (Glenn Close). Cruella is a fashionista who loves fur...and her latest desire is to own a coat made of Dalmatian fur. When she learns that Anita's dog has had a litter of 15, she sets her sites on them to make her desire come true. Anita & Roger turn down her offer, so she sends her bumbling minions Jasper & Horace (Hugh Laurie & Mark Williams respectively) to steal them for her.
Does it equal the original? No, not really...but this is not a surprise. How could you top Marc Davis' animation of Cruella, one of the most memorable characters in animation history? Still, you have to give Glenn Close much credit for making Cruella her own...remove her and you have little reason to watch this film. With her fright wig and amazingly over the top costumes, Close truly comes close...she is an evil delight to watch as she barks orders (pun intended) and does everything in her power to make the fur coat a reality. Laurie (now starring in the hit series "House") and Williams are excellent as her bumbling henchman. The animals are also lots of fun to watch, as they often show that they are much smarter than their human counterparts.
Note to parents: this movie is somewhat darker than the animated versions, with a few creepy scenes with the taxidermist. Nothing major, but still parents might want to be careful as Glenn Close's characterization is more frightening and nightmare inducing than her animated namesake.
Sadly and surprisingly, there are no extras on this DVD other than a theatrical trailer. The widescreen (2:35:1) picture is excellent (enhanced for 16x9 TVs), and there is a wonderful Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround mix.
Overall, an enjoyable film that is bumped up a few notches thanks to Glenn Close's performance.
June 18, 2008
Finally, here comes a long overdue release from Disney's Vault!
this is a great live-action take on the original classic starring two-time Golden Globe winning actress, Glenn Close. This DVD has been out of print for several years now, and is long overdue for a new release. Currently the cheapest that you can buy the only other dvd version of this film, is at $55 dollars, which is used in an "acceptable" condition. I really would like to update my disney collection, and I am very happy that they are releasing this DVD. Although, I do prefer the animated version, I do like the acting performance of Glenn Close's greatly convincing role as Cruella Devil and Joan Plowright's perfect fitting role as the Nanny. Any Disney collector would definitely be excited that this classic, which actually generated $320,689,294 in theatre sales, when it was released in 1996, is being brought back out of the disney vault for the first time in 9 years!!!!!
January 22, 2008
Bored Me Silly
I never felt myself really irritated by having to sit through a film, until I watched this.
Too much "action-packed". Too "over the top". I found my thoughts drifting to how much wasted energy on the part of thew actors. and what a waste of special effects.
The "hilarious" ending where Glenn Close is being made into a cake was so far fetched and so long. I thought this film would never end.
It's silly and ridiculous and seems to last an eternity.
This is not a movie for children. They will not enjoy cruelty to animals or the horrible main character.
December 19, 2007
Complements the 1961 original classic
I don't agree with those reviewers who write that this version should not have been made.
Of course the 1961 Disney animated version was an alltime classic, but this version compliments it rather than competes with it.
If anybody could fill the role of Cruella De Vil coming from animation to life, it is Glenn Close.
If you watch this version and then the 1961 animated version you would think that the animation of Cruella De Vil was drawn from a photograph of Glenn Close acting the role.
Cruella's biting bitchiness is memorable when she first meets Anita's (Joely Richardson) husband Roger (Jeff Daniels.
Of course the main stars of the show are the dog actresses and actors.
Poignant moments where the dog's actions and expressions are just too appealing and moving, include when they have though that Pongo and Perdita's 15th pup is dead, and Pongo's expression, and then his nudging of the puppy before it is brought to life.
And then of course the beautiful reunion of Pongo and Perdita with the puppies.
All the animal parts where splendid.
Make sure if you have pet dogs, to watch with them. They will love it too.
Mine always react during the barking scenes.
August 30, 2007
Not a patch (or a Pongo) on the original
Glenn Close is in this film and she is, as usual, excellent. So, why did I absolutely hate it? Well, Michael Caine put it so well, in words similar to these, "Stop doing remakes, unless the original was terrible". The original One Hundred and One Dalmations was sublime. When I watched this remake, all it did was remind me of the original. I was 11 years old, when I saw it, I am 57 now; and I still love it. My children were brought up on it and my dog jumps up n the sofa, when he hears the first twilight bark and he never moves until it's over (I know he,I, or both of us are pathetic). I am sure that this remake is not a bad film, it is probably quite good. But it's like comparing a beef liver with Foie Gras - No competition! The great sadness is that Disney do not realise what they have. They need to re-release the original (It would certainly cost them less) and educate a whole new generation into animation perfection. Until that moment arrives, I sincerely hope that you enjoy this remake. Get a copy of the original if you can. And let the dog on the sofa.
July 1, 2007
Noble and Heroic
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
Based loosely on the writings of French animal-rights activist Jean Latrille, this movie succeeds in revealing the inhumane aspect of the puppy-farm industry, and depicts the heroic efforts of those who are honor-bound to stop it.
Brothers Jasper (Hugh Laurie) and Horace (Mark Williams) mount a daring raid of a Dalmatian breeding facility, located incongruously in a tony London neighborhood, in an attempt to rescue a group of Dalmatian puppies that are bound for market, where they'll be sold to vicious and uncaring English families. The brothers are aided by their altruistic and devoted cousin, Crue (also, obviously, a heavy-metal fan) who is played by Glen Close.
The movie follows the successful rescue attempt as the brothers lead the puppies through the wilds of Great Britain, where they find refuge at a paradisaical English estate. The film continues as a counter-raid, led by the evil agents of the puppy farm and abetted by hundreds of brainwashed animals -both wild and domesticated, is successful in recapturing the group of puppies, along with eighty-six other puppies previously rescued by the brave brothers. Crue is degraded in an inhumane manner, and the brother's vehicle is firebombed.
The film ends as the puppies are forced to fend for themselves in the wilds of the English countryside, living off the frozen remains of dead sheep and discarded fish-and-chip wrappers. Later, reverting to their wild traits, the puppies form packs in order to survive. One such pack, led by the strong, dominant male Lucky, survives on the outskirts of London by, ironically, poaching on cats and small family dogs, and soon mount an attack on the very same puppy-farm that owes to their existence, along the way dispatching brainwashed animals, corrupt bobbies, and ego-maniacal video-game designers.
Shot in cinema verite by French cinematographer Pierre Latrille (grandson of the original author) this film very aptly captures the idealistic brothers, the beauty of the English wilds, the random hubbub of big city London, and the horrors encountered by a group of animals born in the wrong place, and in the wrong time.
May 17, 2007
Great Movie
Bought this for my [..]daughter for her b'day. She had worn out the VHS tape and this one was hard to find. Very funny movie for kids and adults.
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