‎101 Dalmatians (1996) directed by Stephen Herek • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd
Review by Travis Lytle ★★½
Pure pupsploitation, Disney's live-action "101 Dalmations" adapts the original animated classic with a focus squarely on puppies, puppies, and more puppies. It is a deliriously cute but somewhat empty experience that is sure to please children while adults are left wanting something a little more human.
Taking its narrative cues from its animated progenitor, "101 Dalmations" follows the abduction of the titular, multitudinous purebreds by the fashion designing, diabolical Cruella DeVille (played with hammy delight by Glenn Close). John Hughes' script puts a premium on "Home Alone"-style physical hijinks but shies away from substantial human interests.
Aping some of the animated classic's most memorable shots, the film is good looking and colorfully designed. It moves at a swift trot, and…
Review by loureviews ★★★
"More good women are lost to marriage than war, famine, disease and disaster."
A sugary sweet by-the-numbers live recreation of the animated classic, this time featuring an off-the-scale Glenn Close as Cruella De Vil (of the 'House of DeVil' - gettit?). She's a fiend in a swathe of black fur, a walking, talking cartoon salivating over the fluffy fur of spotty dalmatian puppies.
An eclectic cast is upstaged by the dog playing Pongo, who does all the errands expected of a housekeeper, and displays a lot of intelligence. Close is just too over the top to really fit into a live action piece and it doesn't fit into the dignity of the doggies who are the real stars of this…
1
First and foremost, this adaptation of the Classic Disney animated feature is a truly absurd film. Right away, it centers the story around two of the dullest, whitest Dalmatian owners, who inevitably decide to marry within 24 hours of knowing each other. Some time later - following one hell of an awkward birthing scene - fifteen puppies are thrown in the mix, with the flamboyantly evil Cruella DeVil on the case to take their furs for herself.
After these puppies are kidnapped, two thieves (essentially the less personable doppelgängers of the Home Alone antagonists) steal these pups away from their new home. The rest of the rising action revolves around numerous species of animals agreeing that humans are the worst…
Review by Ryan James Quinn ★★½
I used to couple Glenn Close and Meryl Streep together as acting titans, in my youth they seemed to share the amount of awards time accolades. Recently Streep was honored for a lifetime of achievement by the Golden Globes, and I can't remember the last thing that Close was nominated for. Just like the Prince vs Michael Jackson argument from the 80's, it appears as if Streep has edged Close out. I've never seen The Devil Wears Prada, ironically I would compare that character to Creuella De Vil in bold style and abusive show of power.
For a character that's so central to the marketing of this film, Creuella is barely in the movie. She pops in here and there,…