Review of 101 Dalmatians 2: Patch's London Adventure (2003)

This is another Disney sequel that is described as 'odd' - a term that perfectly encapsulates the experience of watching it. One year after the events from the previous film, the Radcliffe family and their 101 Dalmatians are preparing to move to London, and the film takes a turn by focusing on the dog superhero show, a choice that is both surprising and a bit misguided.

Plot and Story

The plot revolves around Thunderbolt, who doesn't want to get fired from his job, and enlists Patch to tell him about his heroic deeds so that he can keep his job. Thunderbolt’s sidekick, Lightning, is another underdeveloped character. The villains, Cruella and her plans to make coats from the dogs, are reminiscent of the first film, with little fresh content to add to the story rehash.

Character Analysis

The decision to make Patch the main character is both confusing and poorly executed. While Patch is meant to be a compelling protagonist, his character development is lackluster – learning that his hero was fake and needing to be his own hero seems like a cliché. Other characters, such as Thunderbolt, are one-dimensional and their motivations are difficult to follow. The support characters, Pongo and Perdita, and the Radcliffe family, have minimal involvement, while Cruella’s love interest feels like a lackluster rewrite of her past.

Acting and Animation

While the acting receives a decent rating (7/10), the animation fails to impress. The animation is described as 'better' because of clearer lines and better fluidity, but this lacks the charm and uniqueness that the first movie possessed. The colors and the CGI are also criticized, with the overall experience feeling like a poor TV show with a low budget.

Overall Assessment

This movie is a major disappointment. It feels like a missed opportunity – there were many interesting ways this franchise could have been developed. Instead, it rehashes the first movie with less heart and fails to engage the viewer. A score of 3.5/10 accurately reflects the underwhelming experience. While it can't be entirely dismissed, it is not a movie that is recommended for a casual audience.

Conclusion

For those who grew fond of the first 101 Dalmatians or are Disney enthusiasts, this sequel might provide some nostalgia. However, it’s a cable car ride that’s been somewhat ejected back to earth – it could have been much more engaging and doesn't fully capitalize on the possibilities that the London setting and the superhero theme could have offered.