0-101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure – 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure (2003)

Directed by: Jim Kammerud, Brian Smith | 70 minutes | animation, family | Original voice cast: Barry Bostwick, Jason Alexander, Martin Short, Bobby Lockwood, Susan Blakeslee, Samuel West, Maurice LaMarche, Jeff Bennett, Jodi Benson, Tim Bentinck, Kath Soucie, Mary MacLeod, Michael Lerner, Kasha Kropinski, Tara Strong, Ben Tibber

This sequel is set right after the events of the Disney classic ‘101 Dalmatians’. The 1961 Disney film was based on Dodie Smith’s book, which also penned a sequel, “The Starling Barking,” to her best-known work. In this book, the speckled dogs experience an adventure in the science fiction and fantasy genre… Disney’s ‘101 Dalmatians II: Spot’s Adventure in London’ stays a lot closer to the first story.

Roger and Anita have found bigger shelter somewhere in the countryside. Vlek finds it difficult that he has so many brothers and sisters. He wants to secure his spot in front of the TV, but if he does, he’ll be late for dinner and his greedy brothers and sisters have already eaten all the kibble. When he then runs back to the room, the best place for the TV is of course already taken. Just like in ‘101 Dalmatians’, Vlek loves the adventures of Superwoef; he knows all the episodes of the lifesaver by heart. When it is said in a commercial that Superwoef will visit London the next morning, Vlek tries to make this clear to his father Pongo, but he is too busy counting puppies. Unable to sleep that night in the overcrowded dormitory with 98 snoring and drooling puppies, Vlek finds a quiet spot. He is shocked when it turns out that he will be left behind the next day, because the rest are just leaving in the removal van. Stain doesn’t grieve for long, though, because this means he can visit his idol Superwoof! The two dogs soon become acquainted and Spot finds out that Superwoef isn’t quite as tough and heroic as he pretends to be. However, his extensive knowledge of the TV series comes in handy, as the villainous Cruella de Vil has already kidnapped the remaining puppies with the aim of eventually expanding her wardrobe. When Spot hears this, via the dog alarm, which is used here in a fun way, just like in the Disney classic, he does everything he can to save his family.

‘101 Dalmatians II: Spot’s Adventure in London’ is a fun cartoon from the Disney stable, which fits in well with the first part. The drawing style is admittedly slightly less detailed than in the predecessor, but a lot of care has clearly been taken to match the style of the sequel as closely as possible to that of ‘101 Dalmatians’. The story is simple and clear, just right for the young audience that is aimed at.

In addition to the larger role for Superwoef (also in color here) and his sidekick Dwarfkees, who has a hidden agenda, there is another new character introduced here, Lars, Cruella’s new flame. The scene in which they meet, when she stands in front of his painting (a white area with a black dot, her interest is clear), is very comical, but later on he also regularly provides amusing scenes. ‘101 Dalmatians II: Spot’s London Adventure’ is sure to entertain fans of the original.