Oliver & Company Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kitten joins a dog gang, gets kidnapped by a rich girl, then rescued by his dog friends in a chaotic, musical, New York City adventure.

🍿 Oliver & Company: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Orphan Kitten’s Journey

In the bustling streets of New York City, Oliver, an orphaned kitten, finds himself alone and searching for a place to belong. Abandoned by his littermates, he navigates the urban jungle, encountering challenges and seeking companionship. His journey begins with a desire for a home and someone to care for him.

Joining Fagin’s Gang

Oliver crosses paths with Dodger, a charismatic and street-smart dog, who introduces him to Fagin’s gang of canine thieves. This ragtag group, consisting of Dodger, Tito, Rita, Einstein, and Francis, survives by pilfering goods and pickpocketing. Oliver is drawn into their world of petty crime, learning the ropes of street survival.

A New Home with Jenny

During one of their escapades, Oliver is taken in by Jenny Foxworth, a kind-hearted and wealthy young girl. Jenny provides Oliver with a loving home and a sense of belonging that he has longed for. However, Oliver’s newfound happiness is threatened when Fagin’s past catches up with him.

Sykes’ Threat and Jenny’s Kidnapping

Fagin owes a substantial debt to Sykes, a ruthless and menacing loan shark. Sykes sees Jenny’s wealth as an opportunity to exploit Fagin’s situation. He orchestrates Jenny’s kidnapping, putting Oliver and his newfound friends to the test. The film then shifts into a rescue mission, fraught with danger and suspense.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Oliver (Joey Lawrence): An orphaned kitten navigating the streets of New York City who finds friendship and a home.
• Dodger (Billy Joel): A street-smart and charismatic dog who leads a gang of canine thieves and befriends Oliver.
• Jenny (Natalie Gregory): A kind-hearted and wealthy young girl who adopts Oliver and becomes his devoted owner.
• Fagin (Dom DeLuise): A somewhat inept but ultimately good-hearted homeless man who leads the pack of dogs and owes money to Sykes.
• Sykes (Robert Loggia): A ruthless and menacing loan shark who uses his Dobermans to enforce his debts.
• Georgette (Bette Midler): A pampered and initially jealous poodle who lives with Jenny and provides comic relief.
• Tito (Cheech Marin): A feisty and energetic Chihuahua, is part of Dodger’s gang, and provides comic relief.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dodger: “Why should I worry? Why should I care?” – Dodger’s signature song encapsulates his carefree, streetwise attitude and philosophy on life.
• Francis: “Isn’t it rather dangerous to use one’s entire vocabulary in a single sentence?” – Francis delivers this line with mock-intellectual superiority when Roscoe threatens him.
• Georgette: “Perfect isn’t easy, you know!” – Georgette proclaims this during her musical number, highlighting her vain and demanding personality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $31,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $49,365,406
• Worldwide Gross: $74,151,346

💥 Oliver & Company Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and loving it! The music was so cool, and I wanted to be Dodger, jumping around on cars in New York City. Seeing it again as an adult, it’s still fun, but I definitely notice the 80s cheesiness. The chase scene is still exciting, and I tear up a little when Jenny and Oliver are reunited. It’s a fun, nostalgic movie that always makes me smile.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a classic Disney movie.”
  • “Fans of animal stories.”
  • “Those who enjoy musical animation.”
  • “People who appreciate a modern take on classic literature.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild peril and suspense.”
  • “Villainous characters and threatening situations.”
  • “Some scenes may be intense for very young children.”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “While ‘Oliver & Company’ offers a fun, modern twist on ‘Oliver Twist,’ it’s not Disney’s most memorable work. The music’s catchy, especially Billy Joel’s contribution, but the animation feels dated. It’s enjoyable for kids, but adults might find it underwhelming compared to Disney’s classics. Still, a decent family flick with a unique 80s vibe.
• Common Sense Media: “This Disney animated film offers a heartwarming story about friendship and loyalty. The songs are catchy, the characters are likable, and the overall message is positive. It’s a great choice for families looking for a fun and entertaining movie night.

Audience Reactions

The music is amazing, especially ‘Why Should I Worry?’: Catchy songs and memorable characters make this movie a childhood favorite.

I love the New York City setting and the streetwise vibe.: The urban environment and the energetic pace provide a unique twist on the classic tale.

Overall Consensus: A charming, but slightly dated, Disney animated movie with a catchy soundtrack and heartwarming story that resonates with viewers of all ages.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Original Song – ‘Why Should I Worry?’)- 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-eye view for the film’s perspective.”
• “Oliver & Company was the first Disney animated feature to prominently feature cel-shaded CGI for vehicles and backgrounds, a technique that was groundbreaking at the time.”
• “The film’s soundtrack features a diverse range of popular 1980s musicians, including Billy Joel, Huey Lewis, and Bette Midler, aiming to appeal to a contemporary audience.”

🖥️ How to Watch Oliver & Company?

Oliver & Company is available for streaming on Disney+. You can also find it for purchase on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for broadcast options.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• The Aristocats (1970): Features a group of cats navigating an urban environment, emphasizing themes of found family and adventure.
• Lady and the Tramp (1955): Explores the contrast between a pampered pet and a streetwise dog, with both finding love and companionship.
• All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989): A contemporary animated film featuring dogs in an urban setting, with themes of loyalty, redemption, and adventure.
• Bolt (2008): Features a dog who believes he has superpowers and learns to navigate the real world with the help of a cat and a hamster.
• Cats Don’t Dance (1997): A unique animated musical about a cat who tries to make it big as a dancer in Hollywood, dealing with themes of prejudice and following your dreams.

🛒 Oliver & Company Related Products

• Oliver & Company [Blu-ray]: Own the digitally remastered 25th Anniversary Edition of Oliver & Company. Relive this classic with enhanced picture and sound.
• Disney Oliver & Company Dodger Plush: A cuddly and detailed plush toy of Dodger, the cool dog from the movie. Perfect for kids and collectors.
• Oliver & Company Read-Along Storybook: Relive the adventure of Oliver & Company with this beautifully illustrated read-along storybook and companion CD.
• Oliver & Company Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original Oliver & Company movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying your love for the movie.

🎧 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
• “Once Upon a Time in New York City” – performed by Huey Lewis
• “Perfect Isn’t Easy” – performed by Bette Midler
• “Streets of Gold” – performed by Ruth Pointer

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Oliver and Company – Disneycember

Ever wondered if Oliver and Company holds up? Doug Walker, the Nostalgia Critic, gives a hilarious and thought-provoking take on this Disney classic – you might be surprised by his opinion!

✨ Rate