101 Dalmatians Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fashion-obsessed woman really wants a dog coat, so a bunch of puppies use Home Alone tactics to stop her, and somehow everyone ends up rich.

🍿 101 Dalmatians: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meeting and Marriage

Roger, a struggling video game designer, and his Dalmatian, Pongo, meet Anita, a fashion designer, and her Dalmatian, Perdita, in a London park. The two dogs fall in love, mirroring their owners’ blossoming romance. Roger and Anita quickly fall for each other and soon get married, as do their Dalmatian companions.

Cruella’s Evil Plan

Anita works for Cruella De Vil, a glamorous yet eccentric fashion designer with a penchant for fur. Inspired by Perdita’s spots, Anita designs a Dalmatian-themed coat. Cruella, however, fixates on a more sinister idea: creating a coat from real Dalmatian fur. She learns that Perdita is expecting puppies and expresses interest in buying them, raising Roger’s suspicions.

Puppy Abduction

Perdita gives birth to fifteen puppies, and Cruella offers Roger and Anita a substantial sum for them. They refuse, enraging Cruella. Soon after, Cruella’s bumbling henchmen, Jasper and Horace, break into Roger and Anita’s home and kidnap the puppies. Cruella also orchestrates the theft of 84 other Dalmatian puppies, bringing the total to 99. The puppies are taken to Cruella’s dilapidated mansion in the countryside.

The Great Escape

Pongo and Perdita, devastated by the loss of their pups, embark on a perilous journey to rescue them. They enlist the help of other animals along the way, including dogs, cats, and even farm animals. The puppies, with the help of other animal allies, begin to outsmart Jasper and Horace within the mansion. They manage to initiate a daring escape.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cruella DeVil (Glenn Close): A glamorous and extravagant fashion designer with a wicked obsession for fur, particularly dalmatian puppy fur.
• Roger (Jeff Daniels): A somewhat clumsy but kind-hearted American computer game designer who falls in love with Anita and becomes the owner of Pongo.
• Anita (Joely Richardson): A charming and talented fashion designer working for Cruella, who finds love with Roger and becomes the owner of Perdita.
• Jasper (Hugh Laurie): One of Cruella’s bumbling and inept henchmen, often paired with Horace in comedic misadventures.
• Horace (Mark Williams): The other half of Cruella’s comical henchmen duo, known for his dim-witted nature and mishaps.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cruella De Vil: “More good women have been lost to marriage than to war, famine, disease, and disaster.” – Cruella says this to Anita, expressing her cynical view on marriage and career ambitions.
• Cruella De Vil: “Miserable, darling, as usual, perfectly wretched.” – Cruella’s sarcastic response to being asked how she is, showcasing her dramatic personality.
• Cruella De Vil: “Anita, darling! Sorry I’m late. Traffic, detours, you know how it is. ” – Cruella says this arriving late at Anita’s house to see the puppies, displaying her characteristic extravagance and disregard for others’ time.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $75,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $136,189,294
• Worldwide Gross: $320,689,294

💥 101 Dalmatians Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and being completely mesmerized by Glenn Close as Cruella! She was so over-the-top and evil, it was amazing. I loved the scenes where the puppies outsmarted Jasper and Horace; they were so clever! Re-watching it now, I still appreciate the nostalgic charm, and the puppies are undeniably adorable. It’s a fun, lighthearted film, even if it’s not the most groundbreaking movie ever made.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families with children”
  • “Fans of the original animated 101 Dalmatians”
  • “Those who enjoy slapstick comedy”
  • “Fans of Glenn Close”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild peril and slapstick violence”
  • “Cruella De Vil’s villainous behavior may be frightening for very young children”
  • “Animal endangerment (puppy kidnapping)”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While Glenn Close delivers a memorably campy performance as Cruella De Vil, the film relies too heavily on slapstick and lacks the charm of the original animated version. A visually appealing but ultimately shallow remake that fails to capture the magic.
• The New York Times: “Stephen Holden from New York Times says that though enjoyable for its time, the movie lacks the emotional touch of the animated classic. Glenn Close’s theatrical brilliance doesn’t fully compensate for a plot that feels superficial and overly reliant on visual gags.
• Los Angeles Times: “Kenneth Turan from the Los Angeles Times says Glenn Close’s Cruella shines and is highly enjoyable to watch, with some scenes being great comic entertainment. However, he states that there are some elements that can be seen as too silly.

Audience Reactions

Glenn Close’s iconic portrayal of Cruella De Vil is universally praised for its theatrical and menacing brilliance.: Viewers adore the cute puppies and find the slapstick humor entertaining, making it a good family film despite its flaws.

Overall Consensus: A visually appealing but flawed live-action remake, carried by Glenn Close’s standout performance as Cruella De Vil, though many find it lacks the charm and emotional depth of the original animated film.

Awards

1. Kids’ Choice Awards (Favorite Movie)- 1997

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Over 230 Dalmatian puppies and 20 adult Dalmatians were used during the filming to portray the various stages of puppy growth.”
• “Glenn Close received a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Cruella de Vil, solidifying the character’s status as an iconic villain.”
• “John Hughes, known for his teen movies, wrote the screenplay, incorporating slapstick elements reminiscent of ‘Home Alone’.”

🖥️ How to Watch 101 Dalmatians?

101 Dalmatians (1996) is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability. It is not currently streaming on subscription services like Netflix or Disney+.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed 101 Dalmatians, you might like these similar films:

• Home Alone (1990): Shares similar slapstick humor and comedic villainy, particularly in the scenes where the puppies outsmart Jasper and Horace.
• The Parent Trap (1998): Another Disney live-action remake with a focus on family and humor, appealing to a similar audience.
• Paddington (2014): Live-action family film featuring animals with a villain.
• Matilda (1996): Features a memorable, over-the-top villain in Miss Trunchbull, similar to Cruella De Vil’s larger-than-life character.

🛒 101 Dalmatians Related Products

• 101 Dalmatians (Two-Disc Special Edition Platinum DVD): This Platinum Edition DVD features the film in high quality, plus behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and interactive games. A must-have for serious Disney collectors.
• Funko Pop! Disney: 101 Dalmatians – Cruella De Vil: A vinyl figure of Cruella De Vil in her iconic pose. Perfect for displaying on shelves or desks, adding a touch of villainous charm to any space.
• Disney 101 Dalmatians Plush Toy – Set of 3 Puppies: A set of plush toys featuring the spotted puppies. Soft and huggable, these make great companions for children and collectors alike.
• 101 Dalmatians: A Read-Along Storybook: An engaging read-along version of the 101 Dalmatians storybook. Includes audio narration, sound effects, and interactive activities. Perfect for young children learning to read.

🎧 Soundtrack

101 Dalmatians features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Cruella De Vil” – performed by Dr. John
• “Everybody Wants To Be A Cat” – performed by Los Lobos
• “I Wanna Be Your Dog” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Glenn Close’s Terrifying Cruella de Vil Laugh | The Jonathan Ross Show

Prepare to laugh yourself silly and get a behind-the-scenes look at Glenn Close’s devilishly delightful performance as Cruella de Vil. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!

The Second 101 Dalmatians Book Is Insane

Ever wondered what happened after ‘Happily Ever After’? The ‘Second 101 Dalmatians’ book provides a wild and unexpected answer. Join us as we dive into its bizarre plot twists and laugh along the way.

101 Dalmatians ~ Lost in Adaptation

Curious about the similarities and differences between the beloved animated classic and its literary predecessor? This video takes you on a journey of discovery, showcasing how the filmmakers adapted the original story to the big screen.

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Makes NO Sense

Calling all ‘101 Dalmatians’ enthusiasts! Join us as we embark on a humorous exploration of the movie’s amusing plot holes and inconsistencies. Get ready for a lighthearted and entertaining analysis that will have you laughing out loud.

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