101 Dalmatians


Posted on Jul 1, 2008
By Martha Garvey

Walt Disney Video, 1996, 103 minutes
 
Available on Amazon.com
 
There is evil.and there is EEEEVIL, and in this live action remake of the Disney animation classic, Glenn Close, as the iconic Cruella De Vil, is pure EEEEVIL.

Cruella is so EEEEVIL, her gloves have their own claws. Visually, Close's brilliant Cruella seems a combo of Lily Munster, Norma Desmond, and just a hint of Anna Wintour. Cruella adores fur. She's never met an endangered species she didn't want to have some couture made out of. But dogs - especially very adorable black and white spotted dogs - will do just fine. Behind the high fashion and the even higher hairstyles, Close appears to be having a grand old time. (Although in real life, we know that FetchDog's blogger and favorite actress Glenn Close genuinely loves dogs.)

Meanwhile, humans Roger (a charming Jeff Daniels) and Anita (a tender Joely Richardson) meet cute in picturesque London when their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, fall crazy in love. Before you can say "double wedding with dogs," Roger and Anita and Pongo and Perdita have made one happy, dog-scented household. As love blooms, Pongo and Perdita welcome a passel of puppies, who turn in star-making performances thanks to coaching by ace animal trainer Gary Gero.

Bad news for the puppies - Anita's boss is none other than Cruella! Dreaming of a 101 Dalmatian fur coat, Cruella sets her bumbling henchmen, played by Mark Williams and Hugh Laurie (acting about a hundred I.Q. points dumber than Dr. House) off to kidnap the puppies. Due to their idiocy, Cruella must swoop in again to nab the pups herself, only to be met with a resistance army made up of dogs, cows, birds, and even the occasional rebellious raccoon.

Kids will be thrilled as the puppies are returned to their rightful homes after much muck has been flung, mostly at Cruella. And parents will appreciate the wily gusto Close gives her gloriously nasty character. 


Presence of dogs: reelreelreelreel
Respect for dogs: reelreelreelreel
Canine star quality: reelreelreelreel
Family friendly: reelreelreelreel


 

HomeBedsCar & TravelCratesCollarsCovers & BlanketsGatesArticles & Blogs
Comments
Be the first to post a comment!
Post a comment
You must be a member to post comments. Please Log In or Register
Subscribe to this Blog
What does this mean?