101 Dalmatians II : Patch’s London Adventure [2002]

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101 Dalmatians II : Patch’s London Adventure [2002]
Disney has had a rather chequered history over recent years, releasing a series of pointless sequels to classic original films; however, 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure is more than worthy of attention. Picking up largely where the first cartoon left off, all the familiar characters are present and correct, from the loveable puppies to Cruella De Vil, surely one of the great villainesses of all time. The most noticeable feature of the film is the superb animation, hand drawn and totally in keeping with the style of the original movie. In an era when computer-generated images are so dominant, this gives 101 Dalmatians II a feel that is both fresh and classic at the same time.

The story, too, is pure Disney–a tale of one puppy’s efforts to find his own identity and calling–but it has a fair smattering of the wisecracks that have characterised more modern successes such as Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. The character voiceovers are noticeably short on big-name stars, but that at least ensures that the English accents are actually English and not some misplaced American interpretation. They may have missed the target on more than one occasion recently, but with 101 Dalmatians II Disney has got considerably closer to hitting the bull’s-eye.

On the DVD: 101 Dalmatians II is an excellent DVD package and has plenty to keep the kids amused. The behind-the-scenes documentary is presented in a bright and breezy style (”this is Bob, he’s an animator”) and there is an excellent, educational interactive game. While Gareth Gates contributed to Lilo & Stitch, Will Young is the musical attraction here with a decidedly average and surprisingly low-budget video. The hand-drawn animation looks splendid on the digital format with its rich colours and depth and the soundtrack is suitably vibrant. –Phil Udell
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Customer Review: A minor classic..
I purchased this dvd originally with dread. I expected it to follow the old Disney policy of churning out terrible sequels to their classic films. On reading the back cover for the storyline i was left wondering whether i even wanted to watch it. But was very pleased that i did. It was almost like watching a sequel made for a film just a year or so after the original, instead of the 40 years+. Great attention was spent on the animation to match the original, and the voices are very nearly spot-on. The final touch is a story that could easily be an original work, instead of a followup tale. All in all Disney have to be congratulated in doing a sequel that will make all (young and old) glad to buy it.
Customer Review: A dog-tastic adventure!!
My two-year old absolutely loves this film!! The story is about Patch and his new pal Thunderbolt and their adventures in London which eventually lead to them rescuing the other puppies from the evil clutches of Cruella De Ville. Adults will love it too. I especially like Lars (voiced by Martin Short). Will Young provides the theme tune.

Because Of You
Kelly Clarkson, kindly step aside: the title “Because of You” now belongs to Ne-Yo, who has done things with it no one with a pair of hands to clap will soon forget. And not just on the phenomenally appealing first single. Throughout Because of You, the sophomore disc by the songwriter responsible for such monster hits as Beyonc?’s “Irreplaceable” and Rihanna’s “Unfaithful,” a flutter-voiced fluidity–the kind seldom heard since Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall days–reigns. Jay-Z makes room to let it rip on “Crazy,” and Jennifer Hudson wraps herself around it with restraint on “Leaving Tonight,” a lovers’ quarrel that could hold its own against anything Marilyn McCoo & Billy David Jr. cared to toss off in their heyday. If it’s MJ who’s lingered in Ne-Yo’s ear longest, Prince hasn’t gone silent, either: echoes poke up on the far-out “Sex with My Ex.” Elsewhere, shades of contemporaries such as Nelly and Diddy show through. Overall, though, Ne-Yo’s flammable hooks, flirty vibe, and flawless vocals reveal an R&B genius in the making. If the talent bar for up-and-comers is set impossibly high in the coming years, chances are it will be all because of him. –Tammy La Gorce
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Customer Review: Don’t Walk On By
Better late than never sometimes. This one nearly slipped by be truth be told. It was a chance hearing of Rihanna’s duet (Hate That I Love You) with this young man which made me sit up and take notice. ‘Because Of You’ is a joyous little masterclass in what it remains possible to create within R&B’s parameters when a great young singer-songwriter joins hands with a world-class production team. Mr Smith and The Carter Administration have every reason to be proud. The thirteen songs delivered here add up to an almost flawless lexicon of genre-defining beauty. Hard to direct you towards highlights with such rich pickings on offer. Opener ‘Because Of You’ is a loose-limbed, cute-as-could-be winner. Killer melody. Killer hook. Killer vocal. Killer harmonies. Got that?! ‘Crazy’, a limpid, sassy stroll through more strong melodic territory, neither helped nor hindered by Mr Jay-Z’s presence. The out of kilter pizzicato synth is an absolute hoot ! ‘Can We Chill’, another superb song which had me thinking about Little Stevie. Mr Smith’s high, flexible tenor and juicy falsetto is a rare and wonderful instrument. ‘Do You’, brought Mr Wonder to mind once more but trust me that’s no bad thing ! ‘Addicted’, a loping, harder-edged number whose punchy brass arrangement steers our hero into a somewhat darker landscape. ‘Leaving Tonight’ brings Mr Smith and Ms Hudson together in a perfect example of what a great duet can be with ingredients as highly charged as these. Two wonderful voices. One terrific song. Ecstatic. The staggering latin rhythms of ‘Ain’t Thinking About You’ form yet another extraordinary backdrop to further virtuoso vocal fireworks. ‘Sex With My Ex’ drags us out onto the dancefloor. The slightly sleazey beats and subject matter shoot a nod and wink towards a formerly known artist. ‘Angel’ yet another complexly dreamy vocal delight. ‘Make It Work’, another classy slice of R&B heaven. ‘Say It’, a real show-stopper ! Probably the album’s true winner for The Wolf. Mind-Blowing ! If Bach were reborn in Brooklyn he might be writing gems like this ! ‘Go On Girl’, a pretty, heart-on-his-sleeve, mid-tempo beauty. ‘That’s What It Does’, truth be told, is a somewhat lacklustre makeweight but can be easily forgiven following, as it does, twelve of the very best songs ever collected together in one album. Yep. I really do think it’s that good. Following recent disappointments with albums by Mr Usher and Ms Swaray I was relieved to find R&B alive and well in the tender hands, heart and voice of this prodigiously talented young man. Highly Recommended.
Customer Review: Better than the debut! Very good
Ne-Yo’s debut album “In My Own Words” was good but not outstanding, he takes it up another level with the 2nd album “Because Of You”. It hasn’t been the success it should be probably because of the flop single “Do You” but this is a hot album with all 13 tracks being very good!