101 Dalmatians (1996), Director: Stephen Herek, rated G

So many dogs. So little time.

Starring: Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, Joan Plowright, Hugh Laurie, Mark Williams, John Shrapnel, Hugh Fraser

DML Rating: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ - above average

"I live for fur, I worship fur. After all, is there a woman in all this wretched world who doesn't?" Cruella De Vil

Why watch this? ... to see Close's performance as the outrageous Ms. de Vil.

Plot Summary: Roger and Anita find true love thanks to their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita. After Roger and Anita marry, the dogs have a litter of 15 puppies. Anita's boss, the fashion designer Cruella De Vil, develops a devious plan to use the puppies for an extravagant fur coat. When Cruella's attempt to buy the puppies fails, she hires bumbling henchmen to steal them, setting off a search and rescue mission led by Pongo and Perdita, aided by a few additional animals.

Dad's Preview: As a huge fan of the original Disney film, my expectations were high. I must say it is a gallant live-action effort. The dog wrangling required for this film must have been maddening, and the pooches and puppies are adorable. All actors give fine performances, but it's clearly Glenn Close's rendition of Cruella that steals the film... and that's a good thing. She nails the part and brings everyone's favorite, fur-wearing maniac to life.

Walt Disney Pictures, Great Oaks Entertainment; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.