WOOF!
We begin APRIL'S (Hopefully) AWESOME ANIMAL PICTURES with, according to my loving mother, the first film that I EVER saw in theaters: the 1996 live-action remake of 101 Dalmatians. And as the first film that I EVER saw in theaters, it actually isn't that bad. Did it need to be re-made again? Not necessarily. But Stephen Herek's direction is surprisingly well-guided, the performances led by Glenn Close range from admirable to amusing, and -GASP- aside from a few glaring CGI shots, there are living and breathing dalmatians on the set (how many of the one hundred and one that Herek actually uses remains a mystery). It was also a wise move on not having the animals utter a single word; it allows the charm to come through the animals' mannerisms. If the climax had been heavily shortened, and had they eased up on some of the rather disturbing elements involving De Vil's obsession of fur, this would have received a higher rating than it does now. As is, it's a cute, well-crafted slice of family entertainment, and if you don't crack a smile at the sight of a dalmatian puppy, then you're just so cruel..la...
Oh, and Dr. John sings a jazzed-up version of "Cruella De Vil" during the end credits. Your argument is invalid.
Out of five puppies named Patch, I give the 1996 live-action remake of 101 Dalmatians...
Until next time,
AN AMERICAN TAIL
and WOOF, of course!
...er, Meow...
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