VHS : 101 Dalmatians - Live Action (Disney) [1996]

Rating: - Glenn Close Steals the Show
I must confess that, as of writing this review, I have yet to see the animated Disney feature "101 Dalmatians". I really have to wonder, though, how Disney came to acquire the notion that making a live-action equivalent would be a good idea. But the result is certainly entertaining enough to stand for its own merits.

The story is the same as in the animated movie; that of fur-obsessed fashion guru Cruella DeVil stealing Dalmatian puppies from married couple Anita and Roger (Jolie Richardson and Jeff Daniels, the latter not even attempting to adopt an English accent), in order to make a coat out of them. If the law will not stop Cruella's plans in time, then the dogs will.

The star of the movie - asides from the dogs, of course, delivering their roles very well - is without a doubt Glenn Close, whose interpretation of Cruella DeVil is reason alone to see this film. She steals the show with her show-stopping personality every time she appears, taking the über-villainess as far as she can and clearly having great fun doing it. Towards the end of the film, through her mounting frustration, the turn her character takes is priceless to behold. Some of Cruella's more memorable lines from this film, in my book:
"More good women have been lost to marriage than to war, famine, disease and disaster."
"You disgusting creatures. I'm sickened to think we breathe the same air."
"Give me the hat, or you'll BECOME a hat!"
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna ruin your little puppy coat. Just gonna make a few button-holes!"
And perhaps the pinnacle of these is the recitation of victory in sight she gives to the barnyard animals. Glenn Close shows here, once again, what a terrific actress she is. Also perfectly-cast is Joan Plowright as the stoic Nanny.

Hugh Laurie and Mark Williams provide most of the comic relief as hapless villains-for-hire Jasper and Horace, while John Shrapnel gives a scary performance as the uncanny Skinner. They all give their parts very well; the chemistry between Jasper and Horace makes for a truly entertaining duo.

The script goes a little too slapstick at times, but most of the time the plot development works quite smoothly. It could have progressed in a more intellectual manner, though fans of animal communication as a plot device will love this film, as it's full of it. But whenever things are caught up, there you'll most likely find Glenn Close.

All in all, a solid family film that works well. Not a brilliant flick but with its action, plot development and Glenn Close, it's a flick worth seeing. I want to close by applauding the featuring of the song "Cruella DeVil" in the closing credits.

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Rating: - 101 Dalmatians
101 Dalmatians is a bit of a long story. It's a childrens book by John Hughes. It is a bit upsetting. These are the people who were in there: Cruella, two people and 101 Dalmatians. Cruella tries to steal some puppies to turn them into fur. Will she succeed? I think this is a brilliant book and everyone should read this book.

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Rating: - 101 Dalmatians
Thirty-six years later and Disney decides to update their 1960 animated classic with this enjoyably boisterous and surprisingly effective live-action feature with Glenn Close at her absolute evilest as Cruella De Vil who's on a quest to turn cute spotty dalmatian puppies into a nice fur-coat. Jeff Daniels and Joely Richardson are comfortable as the loving owners of Pongo and Perdita and their litter of 15 puppies but sadly, the live dogs lack the warm expressions - and the vocals - of their former counterparts. Other than that, it's still satisfying to watch, with its tremendous comedic sequences, Stephen Herek's commendable direction and of course, those adorable dogs.

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Rating: - Fantastic Feel Good Film - whatever your age
101 Dalmatians kept both my mum and my two girls glued to the television throughout.

It is a fantastic feel good movie that will appeal to even the hardest of hearts whatever their age.

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Rating: - Great way to spend some fun time with your children.
Great adaptation of the novel and even more fun than the 1961 Disney animation. Excellent cast (and animal) performances, brilliant costumography and fun dialogs.

This is indeed a great way to spend some time with your little ones as you will both have fun. It has even drawn the attention of my 1,5 year daughter and for more almost a month now, we are watching the same movie every single day.

It is good value for money - you will definitely watch it (much) more than once!