Common Sense Media Review
Engaging live-action canine caper has some peril, pratfalls.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say the movie features an engaging performance by Glenn Close as Cruella DeVil, who delivers a captivating yet intimidating portrayal that may be frightening for younger children. While it includes entertaining elements and adorable puppies, some parents express concerns over the inclusion of inappropriate adult themes and language, suggesting it's best for older kids and cautioning about its suitability for more sensitive viewers.
- captivating performance
- frightening for kids
- adult themes
- charming visuals
- suitable for older kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say this movie offers a fun family experience but includes elements that may be scary or inappropriate for younger viewers, such as violence, mild innuendo, and Cruella's frightening portrayal. While many found it entertaining and engaging, some noted that certain scenes could be unsettling for kids under 8, and there were mixed feelings about the inclusion of romantic elements.
- scary moments
- mild violence
- romantic scenes
- suitable for older kids
- engaging narrative
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Disney's updated movie version of 101 DALMATIANS stays true to the 1961 animated classic, with some minor changes, most noticeably the careers of the three main human characters. Instead of being a lyricist, Roger (Jeff Daniels) makes video games, and Anita (Joely Richardson) is a clothing designer for nasty Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close), a fashion maven who specializes in exotic furs. Roger and Anita are lonely singles before they're brought together by the antics of their dalmatians -- Pongo belongs to Roger, and Perdita belongs to Anita -- and it isn't long before the human couple is married and the spotted couple has a litter of 15 pups. Once Cruella gets it in her mind to have her own dalmatian fur coat, the story kicks into gear and the familiar mayhem ensues. When Cruella isn't able to buy the puppies from Roger and Anita, she hires goons to "puppy-nap" them along with 84 other dalmatian puppies, bringing the total to 99. Pongo and Perdita must set out to find the puppies and save the day, sticking it to Cruella in the meantime.
Is It Any Good?
Glenn Close plays Cruella with gusto, and it's easy to see that she had fun with the part. Despite the slight modernization of the story line, 101 Dalmatians retains most of the original innocence of the story. Sure, it gets a bit sappy, but it's refreshing and more appropriate viewing for younger kids when the humor isn't tongue-in-cheek and jaded. Dog lovers and fans of the animated classic are sure to enjoy this live-action version.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about villains. What makes Cruella De Vil a spectacular villain? Why doesn't Anita see right away that she's up to no good?
How does this movie compare to the original animated 101 Dalmatians?
Did the pratfall violence add humor to the movie, or did it seem a bit much? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 27, 1996
- On DVD or streaming : December 12, 2000
- Cast : Glenn Close , Hugh Laurie , Jeff Daniels , Joan Plowright , Joely Richardson , Mark Williams
- Director : Stephen Herek
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 24, 2026
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