101 Dalmatians (Exclusive Mini Review Series) (1996 movie adaptation)

101 Dalmatians (Exclusive Mini Review Series) (1996 movie)

Initial release date: November 27, 1996

Studio: Walt Disney Pictures

Plot: The dastardly Cruella De Vil chances upon a liter of cute dalmatian puppies and decides that their skins will make her the perfect new coat. After she sends two hapless heavies to steal the dogs, it’s up to parents Pongo and Perdy to stage a daring rescue. Joining them for the adventure are their human “pets” and a host of guest animals

Cast

Glenn Close (Netflix’s Hillbilly Elegy; Four Good Days) - Cruella De Vil

Jeff Daniels (The Catcher Was A Spy) - Roger

Joely Richardson (Red Sparrow) - Anita

Joan Plowright (Spiderwick Chronicles) - Nanny

Hugh Laurie (The Personal History of David Copperfield) - Jasper

John Shrapnel - Skinner

Tim McInnery (Amazon’s The Aeronauts) - Alonzo

Writer: John Hughes

Dodie Smith (novel)

Director: Stephen Herek (Man of the House; Rock Star; Mr. Holland’s Opus; The Mighty Ducks)

Rated G (103 min)

Just got done checking out the beloved 1961 animated classic, ‘101 Dalmatians.’ Now, it’s time to take another look at the 1996 live action adaptation, which is also one of the studio’s earliest live action remakes.

This live action adaptation is one of those rare remakes that doesn’t tarnish the original feature. It’s really entertaining and also quite charming. There are also quite a few moments that are really humorous.

Even though Emma Stone did a really great job portraying Cruella in the new movie, no one can beat Glenn Close’s performance in this one. Hugh Laurie and Mark Williams also do a good job playing the humorous and hapless Jasper and Horace.

The 1996 remake can be a tad predictable since quite a bit of the animated original made it to this adaptation. And, also quite a few parts that show the dalmatian puppies can be a bit adorable lol. However, it’s still very entertaining and a great film to see during a family movie night!

Here are a few interesting tidbits about the live action ‘101 Dalmatians’:

• When Glenn Close appeared on the set as Cruella in full fright wig, makeup and costume, one of the dogs playing Perdy repeatedly tried to sneak away.

• 230 Dalmatian puppies and 20 adult Dalmatians were used during filming.

• Writer/producer John Hughes made more money from this movie than any other movie in his career, because his contract gave him a piece of the merchandising profits.

• Sigourney Weaver was also offered the role of Cruella De Vil.

• A sequel, ‘102 Dalmatians,’ was released on November 22, 2000.