That is the question Walt Disney Pictures throws at us, as the long-time animated classic "101 Dalmatians" gets a live-action sequel, "102 Dalmatians." "102 Dalmatians" reunites viewers with the now fully grown Dalmatians Dipstick and Dotty, who are about to have their first litter of puppies. Just as the puppies are about to be born, Cruella De Vil, the woman who tried to kill Dipstick and Dotty, exits the insane asylum where she has been treated ever since her arrest. With the Dalmatians owner being her parole officer, it's a reunion that is definitely not looked forward to by all. Although Cruella is supposedly cured of her obsession with fur, a few days out of the slammer and the same old fur loving Cruella is back. This time though, it isn't Dipstick and Dotty she wants for her Dalmatian coat-- but their puppies.
Now, it is up to a group of homeless dogs from a local animal shelter, a parrot who is convinced that he is a rotweiler and the one Dalmatian puppy Cruella left behind (a spotless Dalmatian named Oddball), to save the 102 Dalmatians Cruella has kidnapped and taken to Paris to become her latest coat. The only question is, can they do it?
While the script for "102 Dalmatians" isn't Oscar-worthy, it doesn't have any holes in the plot to distract the older audience and is written well-enough so that die-hard "101 Dalmatians" fans won't be disappointed. The approach the writers took with the script was well thought out, especially since the story doesn't revolve around Pongo and Pereta. By having the story revolve around two of their puppies, who obviously would get adopted at one point in their lives (after all, who can keep and raise 101 Dalmatians that are not fixed), Jeff Daniels' absence isn't at all missed.
Furthermore, while the jokes in "102 Dalmatians" may be geared towards the young audience, the adults and teens in the audience won't at all be left out in the cold. The animal talent on-screen is enough to entertain both the young and old for an hour and a half. Although Glenn Close is wonderful yet again as Cruella De Vil, the true stars of this film are the four-legged kind. The Dalmatians in "102 Dalmatians" are even more adorable then the ones used for the first live-action film. They are well-trained, funny and will definitely have the audience oohing and awwing throughout the film. The scene-stealing white Dalmatian Oddball is definitely an enjoyable addition to the cast, as is the other scene-stealer, the parrot.
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