Oliver & Company Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Orphan kitty joins a canine gang, gets kidnapped by a rich girl, then everyone fights a loan shark on the Brooklyn Bridge… because Disney.

🍿 Oliver & Company: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Orphan Kitten in the Big City

Oliver, a homeless kitten, is abandoned on the streets of New York City. He struggles to survive alone, searching for food and shelter amidst the bustling urban landscape. This initial struggle sets the stage for his journey and the friendships he will forge. The opening scenes establish Oliver’s vulnerability and the challenges he faces.

Joining Dodger’s Gang

Oliver encounters Dodger, a street-smart dog, who introduces him to a gang of canines led by Fagin. Fagin, a kind-hearted but impoverished man, uses the dogs for petty theft. Oliver integrates into the group, learning the ropes of street life. This marks a turning point for Oliver, as he finds companionship and a sense of belonging.

A New Home with Jenny

While attempting a pickpocket scheme, Oliver is taken in by Jenny, a wealthy young girl longing for companionship. Jenny offers Oliver a loving home, a stark contrast to his previous life. This change creates a conflict for Oliver as he begins to feel torn between his new life and his loyalty to Dodger and Fagin.

Kidnapping and Rescue

Fagin, desperate for money, plans to ransom Oliver back to Jenny. However, the situation escalates when the villainous Sykes kidnaps Jenny, hoping to extract a larger sum. Oliver, Dodger, and the gang must now band together to rescue Jenny. This sets the stage for a dramatic climax filled with action and suspense.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Oliver (Joey Lawrence): An orphaned kitten who finds friendship and belonging in the streets of New York City, eventually finding a home with Jenny.
• Dodger (Billy Joel): A street-smart and charismatic dog who leads a gang of canine pickpockets and becomes Oliver’s friend and mentor.
• Jenny Foxworth (Natalie Gregory): A lonely and wealthy little girl who adopts Oliver and provides him with a loving home.
• Fagin (Dom DeLuise): A kind-hearted but debt-ridden homeless man who leads a gang of dogs and struggles to repay a loan shark.
• Sykes (Robert Loggia): A ruthless and menacing loan shark who threatens Fagin and kidnaps Jenny to collect his debt.
• Georgette (Bette Midler): A pompous and pampered poodle who initially dislikes Oliver but eventually helps rescue Jenny.
• Tito (Cheech Marin): A feisty and passionate Chihuahua who is part of Fagin’s gang and provides comic relief.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dodger: “Why should I worry? Why should I care?” – Dodger’s signature song and attitude, reflecting his carefree streetwise personality and philosophy.
• Tito: “Ignacio Alonso Julio Federico de Tito!” – Tito proudly states his full name, emphasizing his feisty and passionate personality.
• Georgette: “Perfect isn’t easy, you know!” – Georgette’s diva-like declaration, showcasing her vanity and high standards.
• Francis: “Isn’t it rather dangerous to use one’s entire vocabulary in a single sentence?” – Francis’s snobbish remark to Roscoe, highlighting his refined nature and sharp wit.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $31,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $74,151,346
• Worldwide Gross: $74,151,346

💥 Oliver & Company Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching “Oliver & Company” as a kid and absolutely loving it. The music was so catchy, especially “Why Should I Worry?”! Billy Joel as Dodger was perfect, and the whole New York City setting felt so cool and edgy. Even though the story is a bit silly, it still brings back such nostalgic memories and reminds me of simpler times. I still find myself singing the songs randomly, and that’s a sign of a truly memorable movie for me!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Disney animated movies”
  • “Families with young children”
  • “Anyone who enjoys animal stories”
  • “Fans of musicals”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild peril and threat”
  • “Cartoon violence”
  • “Themes of homelessness and poverty”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Oliver & Company offers vibrant animation, catchy tunes, and a heartwarming story, but it struggles to capture the timelessness of Disney’s greatest works. The voice acting is superb, particularly Billy Joel’s Dodger, but the 80s setting feels dated.
• Empire Magazine: “A fun, if somewhat forgettable, Disney flick. The music is enjoyable, and the characters are likable enough. However, the plot feels rushed, and the animation lacks the polish of later Disney releases.
• RogerEbert.com: “Oliver & Company is a pleasant diversion with some memorable moments, but it’s not a classic. The film’s attempt to modernize ‘Oliver Twist’ is admirable, but the story’s emotional depth is sacrificed for a quicker pace and comedic elements.

Audience Reactions

The music is unforgettable and features many beloved songs.: Viewers praised the soundtrack and particularly loved the catchy songs by Billy Joel and Bette Midler.

The movie captures the vibrant energy of New York City.: Many appreciate the film’s setting in 1980s New York City and how it showcases the city’s landmarks.

Overall Consensus: “Oliver & Company” is a fun, albeit somewhat dated, Disney film with a catchy soundtrack and a lighthearted take on “Oliver Twist.”

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Original Song)- 1989

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Animators took photos of New York streets from a low angle (18 inches off the ground) to simulate a dog’s point of view for more realistic backgrounds.”
• “The film was Disney’s attempt to modernize and revitalize their animation style by incorporating contemporary music and a more urban setting.”
• “Oliver & Company was the first Disney animated film to heavily utilize computer-generated imagery (CGI) for vehicles and some background elements, marking a shift in Disney’s animation process.”

🖥️ How to Watch Oliver & Company?

Oliver & Company is available for streaming on Disney+. It can also be rented or purchased on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for current pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Oliver & Company, you might like these similar films:

• The Aristocats (1970): Features cats in an urban setting with a jazzy soundtrack and themes of friendship and family.
• Lady and the Tramp (1955): Explores class differences and unlikely friendships between dogs from different walks of life.
• All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989): Another animated film released around the same time featuring dogs as main characters, dealing with themes of loyalty, friendship, and redemption.
• Bolt (2008): A more modern take on an animal finding its place and learning about the real world, with themes of friendship and self-discovery.
• An American Tail (1986): Shares a similar theme of an orphaned animal navigating the perils of a new city, searching for belonging and family.

🛒 Oliver & Company Related Products

• Oliver & Company [Blu-ray]: Own the timeless Disney classic in stunning Blu-ray quality. Experience the adventure with enhanced visuals and sound, making it perfect for family movie night.
• Oliver & Company: Read-Along Storybook and CD: Relive the tale of Oliver with this engaging read-along storybook. Perfect for young readers, it includes a CD with the story and original songs from the movie.
• Funko POP Disney: Oliver & Company – Dodger: Add the street-smart Dodger to your Funko POP collection! This detailed vinyl figure captures Dodger’s cool and confident personality, making it a must-have for fans.
• Oliver & Company: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in the music of “Oliver & Company” with the complete original soundtrack. Featuring iconic songs by Billy Joel, Bette Midler, and Huey Lewis, this soundtrack is a must-have for Disney music lovers.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Why Should I Worry?” – performed by Billy Joel
• “Good Company” – performed by Myhanh Tran
• “Once Upon a Time in New York City” – performed by Huey Lewis
• “Perfect Isn’t Easy” – performed by Bette Midler

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Oliver and Company – Disneycember

Ever wonder if ‘Oliver and Company’ holds up? The Nostalgia Critic dives in with his signature humor, and honestly, his points about the pacing are spot-on. You might see the movie in a whole new light!

✨ Rate