For those who need a refresher, the movie follows a familiar but slightly updated storyline. In London, video game designer Roger (Jeff Daniels) and his Dalmatian, Pongo, live a tidy bachelor life. Across the pond in a lavish townhouse lives fashion designer Anita (Joely Richardson) and her Dalmatian, Perdita.
In the end, the 1996 101 Dalmatians is like Cruella’s ideal coat: flashy, expensive, and made of parts that don’t quite fit together. The dogs are cute, the production design is rich, and Glenn Close is an all-timer. But the heart of the original—the silent, desperate journey of two parents across a winter landscape—is replaced with mugging, noise, and too many explosions. It’s a fun, furry, forgettable romp. And sometimes, that’s enough. 101 Dalmatians -1996-
In a masterstroke of physical comedy, Close performed most of her own stunts. Remember the scene where Cruella slides down a muddy hill chasing the puppies? That is really Close, covered in mud. What about the climax where she falls into a vat of molasses and emerges covered in black goo? Practical effect, real actress. For those who need a refresher, the movie