101 Dalmatians Image
Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critics What's this?

User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 42 Ratings

  • Starring: Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels
  • Summary: Unleashing every ounce of Disney magic, 101 Dalmatians thrilled audiences of all ages with fast-paced adventure and comedy -- featuring a brilliant performance by Glenn Close as Cruella De Vil. (Disney)
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 20
  2. Negative: 3 out of 20
  1. 88
    Director Stephen Herek does an admirable balancing job, though the movie slows whenever the animals solo onscreen. [27 Nov 1996 Pg.01.D]
  2. Reviewed by: Richard Schickel
    80
    For us dog saps, it is especially nice to see cuddlesomely real pooches instead of drawn ones doing smart-pet tricks.
  3. 60
    The entire remake has been dumb-dumbed by John Hughes, who wrote the script and produced.
  4. 38
    Even children, who will be enthralled by all the puppies, may have a hard time not fidgeting for protracted portions of the running time.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. FaiK
    7
    i just like the part that all the dogs barks to send news about the puppies
  2. This, for me, is truly something of a unique film. It has all the corniness and cheap slapstick of a plethora of other comedies cashing in on popular trends which in this case, was "Home Alone" while otherwise being painfully sappy. Yet, for some reason, "101 Dalmatians" doesn't bother me when it's corny. And I think it's because it's so thoroughly and consistently corny that you just end up buying into this strange pseudo-cartoon world they build. It knows how silly it is and just enjoys itself nonetheless, and the result is a movie you really just can't help but like. It's so innocent and fluffed with lighthearted chuckle that it's very hard to call it unenjoyable, no matter how bad one might consider it. And of course, you have Glenn Close turning in a gleefully over-the-top performance as Cruella DeVil who, by the way, turns everything she touches into some awesome piece of art direction and an affectionately charming and humorous Hugh Laurie as one of her bumbling dognappers. This was never meant to be taken seriously. That's clear from the start. And I honestly have to call it a guilty pleasure. Expand
  3. Entertaining film but surreal.
  4. I know that this film is an epic, but I will not be influenced by this or I will base my critique on the fact that a film is epic or not. I actually think the movie a big failure in cinematic terms. But for watching with family at times like Christmas or Easter is perfect, and the kids do not dislike. Expand

See all 5 User Reviews