Review of 102 Dalmatians (2000) by Alexander B — 26 Nov 2011

An extreme disappointment, even as Disney sequels go. It is very over the top with unrealistic characters. The jokes are way to obvious with no subtlety at all. In some way, shape or form, it seems patronising, as though we are being drip-fed the jokes.

The acting is also disappointing, with Ioan Gruffudd (Kevin Shepherd) and Alice Evans (Chloe Simon) playing very symmetrical characters with little effort and Tim McInnerny (Alonso) playing the far too common and fairly predictable slapstick character who has no depth or back-story.

The story line is obvious and shallow, with no real thought involved in the scripting progress. However, the saint of this film is Glenn Close. She portrays Cruella De Vil with confidence and skill and it shows whilst the film progresses.

She lifts the film and she stands out as the best actor. Even though her performance is good, the chemistry with Gerard Depardieu (Jean Pierre Le Pelt) is not believable and is extremely exaggerated, and, again, disappointing.

The film in itself is rather boring at some stages and is also unimaginative, but Glenn Close's performance does shine in some particular way and whatever scene she is involved in will be an enjoyable watch.

However, when she is not on screen the film lacks excitement and interesting characters. The film, in itself, is pointless and an unnecessary addition to the Disney franchise.