Filipe Neto 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.

Python Hyena 101 Dalmatians (1996): Dir: Stephen Herek / Cast: Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, Joan Plowright, Hugh Laurie: Pathetic live action version of the animated Disney classic is a complete failure with lavish production. It regards quantity as these dogs band together to survive. Jeff Daniels and Joely Richardson own two Dalmatians that give birth to fifteen pups and the evil Cruella DeVil wishes to make fur coats out of them. The dogs are a disappointment since they do not talk as they did in the animation. One would think that after the success of Babe that this wouldn't be a problem. This film contains none of the suspense or detail of the animated classic, which makes the plot here seem very basic. It was as if the makers thought that making a live version was enough but without those important details of the animation it just comes off as bland with only an effective villain to carry it. Director Stephen Herek doesn't heed details from the animation. This ranks with The Mighty Ducks as among Herek's worst efforts. Glenn Close steals the film with her icy performance as DeVil making her the film's best asset. Daniels and Richardson sleepwalk through bland roles with Joan Plowright as their maid. Hugh Laurie and Mark Williams play the idiotic henchmen nabbing the dogs. It is yet another bad adaptation that turns into a big budget dog show. Score: 2 ½ / 10

caitlinbiwer This film has a great storyline, it's suitable for the whole family and is entertaining. This film came out before I was born so I grew up watching these kind of films, and through watching it recently I have found my love for Disney films once more.There is an element of comedy with the names of the Dalmatians being 'dipstick' and 'whizzer' and the villains are fairly funny too, featuring Hugh Laurie from House and Mark Williams from Harry Potter with their name-calling and arguments with one another. With some scarier parts (when you're a child) such as when they kidnap the puppies and 'Mr Skinner' who has a scar on his face.Although, even though it is a children's film there are some very unrealistic parts of them film, such as how are the couple making money and can afford a nanny when they are both not at work or making money, why they marry after only knowing each other briefly and the typical 'scruffy van and tights over your face' cliché bad guys. Yet, this brings the film to the onset of it being very focused for children, and avoids financial worry and darker features.The dogs and their owners are very friendly people and animals, with an unpredictable storyline for children which keeps them engaged within the film. Overall, a very well-balanced film with many light-hearted sections.

varden_longraf I remember when this came out in theatres I was a little skeptical being a huge fan of the Disney original but after watching it I will say glen close played a spot on version of cruela deville. the movie really followed the storyline of the original quite well and was entertaining by the great cast they used to keep the theme of the original. I actually found myself watching it a few times even with my kids and was happy to see for once that a remake didn't just go with the flow but put some heart in the film that make a realistic remake for once fit the same likability as the original. Definitely one I would watch again and again and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the Disney classic!