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We saw the live action version of "101 Dalmations" today. While I didn't
like it as well as the original animated version (but then I hardly ever
like remakes). Seen by itself, it's a good film--but I'd like to see a
review from someone who hasn't seen the previous version (a refugee from
Outer Mongolia, perhaps).
Some things have been updated in the 31 years since the animated version
was released (and the 40 years since the original book was published).
Roger no longer writes songs, he writes video games. In fact, the only
music in the film (other than a few scraps) is "Cruella de Vil" sung by
Dr. John over the closing titles. I miss the songs, but considering the
musical talents of Jeff Daniels who plays Roger, it's probably better
this way.
Marta loved Cruella's outfits, which were--if anything--wilder than
those in the animated version. We both loved Kipper's performance. He's
an airdale, and a character who did not appear in the animated version.
Kipper took on most of the active role of Sergeant Tibs (who had,
regretably, only a non-speaking cameo) in rescuing the puppies from the
Mansion deVil. Marta thought he was very cute--almost as cute as Sgt.
Tibs (which is high praise from a cat-lover like her).
The Mansion deVil is worthy of comment in and of itself. Several scenes
appeared as if they had been filmed in the Haunted Mansion at one of the
parks--writhing gargoyle bannisters and stuff like that. Disney should
consider using the surviving sets to upgrade the attractions. Better
yet, in the Magic Kingdom at WDW, the Haunted Mansion backs up to
Fantasyland. Perhaps they could build an attraction with a FL entrance
that uses the same mansion for a CID ride! (Note: CI=101 in roman
numerals.)
Some of the early criticism of the film concerned Glenn Close's
over-the-top treatment of Cruella--arguable the best villian in the
Disney ouvre. I disagree--Close's Cruella is indeed over-the-top, but
how else could one play her? Indeed, the only way mere humans can
portray toons is to try to overdo it. Even the most extreme human
actions are mere suggestions of normal toon behavior, so one may as well
let 'er rip!
Daniels and Joely Richardson (Anita) go through some pretty physical
comedy in the scene in the park were they meet (each other and some
fish). I thought it nicely balanced between credible violence and a
satire of violence. Not overdone at all--at least not compared to
Cruella.
Another criticism heard was that the dogs don't talk--even to each
other--except to bark. The suggestion being that understanding the
motives of Pongo and Perdita is essential to understanding the story.
Posh and tuttle! These animal actors were most expressive, and as anyone
who has had a pet will tell you, they speak volumes even when silent. I
had no trouble following the mental processes of any of the animal
actors.
It's only fair to note that many of the animal actors were born at Jim
Henson's Creature Shop. Credit was not given to the puppeteers, and they
should probably be thankful--some of the performances were of a quality
usually reserved for films like "Caddy Shack" (and if you haven't seen
it, yes, that was an insult). A few scenes--like the one in the teasers
where the raccoons give each other a high five--are clearly fake, but so
funny you don't care. Others--like the rat who showed Kipper the way to
the puppies by pointing with his tail--inspire groans of, "Come on, we
know you can do better than that!"
There are enought new twists to the story to keep it somewhat
interesting for the experienced Disney moviegoer (and I haven't revealed
them all here). Of course, after seeing the Disney logo at the start, we
know the good guys are going to come out smelling like a rose and the
bad guys smelling like...well I just said I wouldn't tell all...
Is CID destined to be considered one of Disney's masterpieces? Not on
your spots. Is it one of Disney's worst? Certainly not--I'd gladly trade
it for "Robin Hood" and both "Flubber" movies. While it won't likely
show up on my (very short) shelf of videotape masterpieces, I don't for
a minute regret paying first-run prices to see it. If you're reading
this echo, you should go see it too. And go soon, before the prints get
all spotty and ... oh, never mind.
()_()
 (_)  Bruce (they call me MR. Tibs) Metcalf
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