101 Dalmatians
Metascore
49 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 20
  3. Negative: 3 out of 20
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  1. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Susan Wloszczyna
    88
    Director Stephen Herek does an admirable balancing job, though the movie slows whenever the animals solo onscreen. [27 Nov 1996 Pg.01.D]
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User Reviews

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User Score
5.8 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. JoseRochaPT
    5
    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.… Full Review »
  2. MovieLonely94
    5
    not terrible, but not that good.
  3. WriteFilmLive21
    6
    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.… Full Review »
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