Review of 101 Dalmatians (1996) by Filipeneto — 22 Aug 2018

This film is a live-action that repeats and updates the story of "101 Dalmatians", an animated film that Disney launched in the early sixties. The plot has some minor changes and is brought to our time, but its virtually the same in both films.

One of the most drastic changes, however, is that the animals in this film don't speak, even though they demonstrate intelligence and know how to face danger. The human cast has Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, Joan Plowright and Hugh Fraser, very experienced British and American actors, but its Glenn Close who stands out, in the iconic role of the villain, Cruella De Vil, giving us one of the most remarkable performances of her career so far, and the best interpretation of what, for many, is Disney's biggest villain.

Remarkable! The team that created the costumes of this character also deserves congratulations, combining charm and good taste with Cruella's sinister attraction by genuine fur (of course, in the film they weren't real fur).

Situational jokes are the strongest part of the film, thanks to Hugh Laurie and Mark Williams, who brought to life the two absolutely stupid thugs who were supposed to keep the dogs under control. They're the main comic element, contrasting with the sweetness of those little puppies.

It's a great movie for the whole family to watch together, have a laugh and spend some quality time together.