102 Dalmatians

“102 Dalmatians” is a live-action comedy film released by Walt Disney Pictures in 2000. It is a sequel to the 1996 film “101 Dalmatians” and is based on Dodie Smith’s novel “The Hundred and One Dalmatians.” The movie was directed by Kevin Lima and stars Glenn Close, Ioan Gruffudd, and Alice Evans.

In the film, Cruella de Vil (played by Glenn Close) is released from prison on parole and is seemingly reformed after undergoing therapy to cure her obsession with fur. However, she is soon triggered by the sound of Big Ben’s chimes, which reawakens her desire for fur and turns her back into the villainous Cruella.

Cruella learns about a new fashion trend involving spotted animals, and she hatches a plan to steal the Dalmatians once again. This time, she enlists the help of French furrier Jean Pierre LePelt (played by Gérard Depardieu) and his bumbling henchmen to capture the dogs.

The film follows the adventures of the Dalmatians, their human owners, and their efforts to thwart Cruella’s evil plans. New characters, including Chloe Simon (played by Alice Evans) and Kevin Shepherd (played by Ioan Gruffudd), are introduced as the Dalmatians’ human allies.

“102 Dalmatians” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Glenn Close’s performance as the iconic Cruella de Vil and the film’s humor, while others felt that it didn’t quite capture the charm of the original animated classic.

Despite the mixed critical reception, “102 Dalmatians” performed moderately well at the box office and found success with younger audiences. The film’s playful approach and the appeal of the adorable Dalmatian puppies contributed to its popularity among children and families.

Like its predecessor, “102 Dalmatians” continues Disney’s tradition of bringing beloved animated characters to life in live-action adaptations. The movie showcases the enduring appeal of the Dalmatians and Cruella de Vil, ensuring that their iconic status remains intact among Disney’s classic characters.

Fun Facts

• “102 Dalmatians” is the sequel to the 1996 live-action adaptation of “101 Dalmatians” and was released in 2000. Glenn Close reprises her role as the infamous Cruella de Vil.
• This sequel features an updated and more glamorous version of Cruella de Vil, who has seemingly reformed but later reverts to her obsession with fur coats made from Dalmatians.
• The film introduces a new character, Oddball, who is a Dalmatian puppy with no spots. Oddball becomes a central character in the movie’s plot.
• In “102 Dalmatians,” Cruella de Vil’s transformation into a more sympathetic character and her subsequent relapse into villainy provide a fresh take on her character arc.
• The movie combines live-action and CGI to create the playful and adorable Dalmatian puppies, showcasing technological advancements in filmmaking since the original 1996 film.