The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Gems: 101 Dalmatians (1961)

How do you choose what to watch on all those streaming services you have access to? There are so many options that it is just overwhelming. These services constantly release new content and overshadow all the great films from the past that are already there and ready to watch. Now there is The Wasteland Gems! Here is a great film on streaming right now that you should check out this weekend:

101 Dalmatians (1961)

What is one of those classic Disney Animations efforts that people love but never gets in the “all time great” discussions? 101 Dalmatians is a fun, engaging, and moving film that has left quite an impact on pop culture. This film features one of the most iconic villains in movies who has become synonymous with this film franchise. This film was popular enough that it got a live action remake in the 90s before Disney started doing that in mass. It is so popular that its villain even got the Maleficent treatment and got her own film that deepens her lore. Also…who doesn’t love animals! I don’t know about you, but I have also attempted to collect all 101 McDonalds toys when they did that back in the 90s. Yes…101 Dalmatians just never left the pop culture zeitgeist.

What is the most iconic element of this film? Cruella De Vil. One of the most iconic villains in all of film, this woman is so evil and dastardly. There are villains who want to destroy half of existence, tear down the Gods, and overthrow a kingdom. All of them pale in comparison to a fashion designer who wanted to murder a bunch of puppies for their skin. Truly evil! Not only is she selfish and evil, but she also looks like a chain-smoking ghoul. Sure, she is dressed real fancy…but just look at her. She has crazy eyes and when she is behind the wheel of that car…that is pure evil right there. That might be one of the most horrifying shots in all family films. You also have one of the most iconic villains’ songs as well with that song written about how terrible she is.

What is the most charming element of the film? All those adorable animals! All the puppies have fun personalities and just look downright adorable and charming. Pongo is a great dog as well and even has classic film star Rod Taylor bringing him to life. Perdita is charming and sweet as well and these two pooches make a great on screen couple for sure. Colonel is one of the most memorable supporting characters as well as an Old English Sheepdog who assists the rescue of all these puppies. Sergeant Tibbs is a refreshing turn of a helpful tabby cat who is not an evil entity like in so many animated films (the horrible anti-cat propaganda in cinema is not appreciated by this owner of three cats). There are plenty of other canine pals, horses, and cows as well making this a fun cast of animals. Special considerations go to the bumbling henchmen of De Vil, Jasper and Horace. They are certainly not animals, but they are fun characters.

Do you need much more than that? This is a 79-minute little romp of an animated classic. Disney has been doing this for years and each decade has some fun additions. The 60s had their fine additions including 101 Dalmatians. This has some good old-fashioned crime flick elements as well. A romp full of great characters from both sides of this criminal scenario. This certainly is not one of the best films Disney Animation has released but it is a charming and enjoyable romp for sure.

101 Dalmatians is streaming on Disney+.