Review of 101 Dalmatians (1996) by Writefilmlive21 — 16 Mar 2013

This, for me, is truly something of a unique film. It has all the corniness and cheap slapstick of a plethora of other comedies cashing in on popular trends which in this case, was "Home Alone" while otherwise being painfully sappy.

Yet, for some reason, "101 Dalmatians" doesn't bother me when it's corny. And I think it's because it's so thoroughly and consistently corny that you just end up buying into this strange pseudo-cartoon world they build.

It knows how silly it is and just enjoys itself nonetheless, and the result is a movie you really just can't help but like. It's so innocent and fluffed with lighthearted chuckle that it's very hard to call it unenjoyable, no matter how bad one might consider it.

And of course, you have Glenn Close turning in a gleefully over-the-top performance as Cruella DeVil who, by the way, turns everything she touches into some awesome piece of art direction and an affectionately charming and humorous Hugh Laurie as one of her bumbling dognappers.

This was never meant to be taken seriously. That's clear from the start. And I honestly have to call it a guilty pleasure.