While modern Disney toons pander to kids and kids alone, their classics appealed to a universal audience, and I can think of no better example of this than in 101 Dalmatians. I think this may be one of the reasons Disney cartoons of late (not counting Pixar) have decreased in quality. From a hilarious take on 60’s television ads, to good old fashioned slapstick, this film reminded me of how great children’s entertainment doesn’t need to be just for kids. One thing I did appreciate when I was younger was the film’s humor, and for whatever reason every joke still made me laugh 15 years later. I’m also not sure if I could have appreciated the film’s brilliant music, which carries an amazing vaudevillian quality to it. All the backgrounds look like animated works of art rather than cheap imitations of real life. 101 Dalmatians just looks great and feels classic. It’s a real shame that you never see any American animated features continue to look this legit, while selling out to an overly developed polished look. I know in the world there is a blurry line between good and evil, but damn it, I want to hate that mean old lady and her henchmen, and this movie lets me live that sort of child hood simplicity.Īlso, when I was younger, there are many other aspects to the movie I think I incapable of appreciating. All the good characters are likable, and I despised all the villains. Through all the years I had gone through before seeing this movie again as an adult, I forgot how charming it was. Cruella de Vil ( Betty Lou Gerson) wants the puppies for a coat, so she kidnaps them, setting Pongo and Perdita on a journey to save their kids.

Pongo and Perdita have 15 puppies together.

One thing leads to another, and both couple get together. He spots Anita ( Lisa Davis) walking her Dalmatian Perdita ( Cate Bauer). Pongo wants to find a mate for his pet, and in the process possibly finding one of his own. Pongo ( Rod Taylor), a Dalmatian living in London with his owner (who he calls his pet) Roger ( Ben Wright). I had forgotten how enjoyable of a movie this is.įor those unfortunate enough to be in my forgetful shoes, or just haven’t gotten around to seeing this gem yet, I’ll offer a run through of the plot. Before watching it again, if asked to give a plot synopsis, it would be along the lines of “I think a Dalmatian has 101 puppies and they get kidnapped or something.” Now, probably 15 years after my last viewing of the movie, I have the pleasure of getting reacquainted. '101 Dalmatians' is one of those movies that I only remember having watched it, while not remembering a whole lot about the actual movie.

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