Classic Review: 101 Dalmatians (1961)

"101 Dalmatians" stars Rod Taylor, Cate Bauer, Betty Lou Gerson, and Ben Wright. Released on January 25, 1961, the film is about two Dalmatians who must rescue their puppies from Cruella De Vil.
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The film is directed by Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, and Wolfgang Reitherman, and it is based on the 1956 novel of the same name by Dodie Smith. It is also the 17th film in the Walt Disney Animation Studios collection. This is, in fact, another Disney film that I watched during my childhood. This is also one of my mother's favorite because she loves dogs. Going back to this film as an adult, does it still retain its cuteness and the fun?

Pros:
Good voice work from the cast, including Betty Lou Gerson as De Vil.
Great use of hand-drawn animation.
Fun characters.
A splendid, yet nasty, villain (Cruella De Vil).
The story is easy to follow for the kids.
Good songs (only three of them).
The third act is one of the most intense sequences that Disney had created.

Cons:
A couple of slow parts.
A bit predictable at times.
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Final thoughts: Disney delivered another big hit with "101 Dalmatians", a fun animated flick that will appeal not only to kids and adults, but to dog lovers as well. Worth recommending to those who are fans of Disney and, of course, dog lovers in general.

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