With the arrival of the Cruella de Vil prequel, it’s time to compare the original 101 animated Dalmations, their live-action remakes, sequels, and spinoffs.
Cruella it is the last 101 Dalmatians New movie, but is it the best? Launched in 1961, 101 Dalmatians is an animated adaptation of the novel by Dodie Smith. The film faithfully follows the story of Smith’s book, which centers on the huge litter of Dalmatians and their daring escape from a deranged fashionista.
101 Dalmatians was a huge success upon its release, saving Disney from financial woes caused by the ambitious production of Sleeping Beauty. The film spawned a late-to-DVD direct-to-DVD sequel in 2003, as well as a live-action remake in 1996 (which in turn received a sequel in 2000). Now, Me, tonya new release from director Craig Gillespie Cruella strives to retell the story from the perspective of its villain, a new twist that Disney hopes will bring audiences back to the franchise.
Click the button below to start this article in quick view.
The evolution of 101 Dalmatians The franchise has been strange, as the first movie caused quite a stir at the box office only for decades before a sequel arrived. Said sequel, 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London AdventureNot only did it go straight to DVD upon its release in 2003, it was also preceded by a live-action remake four years earlier. While the animated films primarily focused on the dogs of the same name, the live-action remakes focused on Glenn Close, whose energetic performance led Cruella de Vil to an unforgettable life and garnered solid reviews from the films despite his monotonous stories. Then, years later, another version of the villain hit the screen in the form of Emma Stone’s Cruella.
5. 101 Dalmatians (1996)
Despite bragging about the extraordinary underrated protagonist Jeff Daniels, the 1996 live-action remake of the 1961 original 101 Dalmatians it’s actually the weakest outlet in the franchise. Directed by Stephen Herek of The mighty ducks fame, the remake is a perfectly useful family movie, and Glenn Close really shines as the insane Cruella de Vil. However, she’s stuck in a soft, forgettable exit that, while harmless, lacks any of the charming wit and visual flair of the original animated film. Close’s performance ensures this isn’t a waste of time and Herek puts on some hilarious chases and goofy scenes with the titular stray dogs, but a familiar plot and uninspired visuals ensure this won’t be anyone’s favorite iteration of the classic. Dodie smith
4. 102 Dalmatians
It’s rare for the second movie in a franchise to outperform its predecessor in terms of critical appraisal, although this phenomenon is a bit more common in family movies (for whatever reason). Launched in 2000, 102 dalmatians joined the ranks of Shrek 2 and the Madagascar movies like a children’s sequel that managed to outperform its original. More messy and chaotic than the franchise’s first nondescript film, this mile-a-minute adventure largely dispenses with focusing on human characters, save for Close’s deranged Cruella. It’s a shrewd decision, as Close’s villain is the strongest character in the live-action franchise and the only actor whose performance is as over-the-top and quirky as the material demands. This outing still has a predictable plot and some cloying sentimental moments but, despite the critical consensus claims about its release, 102 dalmatians represents a big step forward in terms of quality for the franchise.
3. 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s Adventure in London
Hands down the most frustrating title in the series, 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure it’s a surprisingly strong direct-to-DVD release. Despite not appearing in theaters, this Disney spin-off is a solid 101 Dalmatians follow-up whose story stays true to the simple charms of Smith’s original novel. There may be more chases and wacky characters than in Smith’s successor’s own story. The bark of the starlight, but 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure shares Smith’s love for the title city and features striking animation despite its budget constraints.
A fun adventure focused on the exploits of the loaned puppy when he is released in London. 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure It’s the kind of unexpectedly solid and fun sequel that many kids will remember as fondly as the original 1960s classic. With supporting turns from the always underrated Martin Short and Jason Alexander, this charming sequel is well worth watching and is one of the strongest outings in the franchise.
2. Cruella
Posted to mixed reviews, Cruella it is Craig Gillespie’s attempt to provide the infamous skinner headline with a comprehensive story. Emma Stone shines in the title role, doing justice to both her animated predecessor and the magnificent pantomime of Glenn Close’s villain in previous live-action additions to the series. The story may be fine and a bit predictable, but the costumes are truly impressive and, along with their lavish production design, act as the main attraction of the film. Meanwhile, the supporting cast, including Emma Thompson, are pleasantly cheesy and thrust into the world of live-action cartoons with just the right poise. By last, Cruella It may be a movie that doesn’t necessarily have to exist, but is fun, fast-paced, and visually stunning.
1. 101 Dalmatians
The original and still the best, 1961 101 Dalmatians it remains the highlight of the franchise to date. Filled with subtle and wise wit (much of it drawn directly from the original novel), before the dog-abduction subplot begins, the original animated film is first and foremost a charming romantic comedy starring dogs. Rod Taylor’s Pongo is a charming scoundrel and his nebbish owner Roger is a lovable nerd, and the stunning animation makes Perdita and Anita’s couple’s courtship a pleasure to watch. Visually, 101 Dalmatians It has the sumptuous hand-drawn charms of Disney’s early years and a more playful, scribbled style than the likes of Pinocchio, in keeping with its swinging setting from the sixties. Cruella It may have reminded the world how much they love the franchise as a whole, but it’s the original 101 Dalmatians viewers will return to for years to come.
Reference-screenrant.com
