FREE recipes, desserts, crafts & health ideas
See family movies @ Amazon.com
PinkSunrise.com | Families-First.com | Homeschool Zone | Event-of-the-Week | Bookstore | Search

Joanne's Movie Reviews
"102 Dalmatians"
hosted by Joanne Spataro, Charlotte Observer Movie Critic
Now available on video - click here

"102 Dalmatians"
is a double dose of family fun!

A sequel to "101 Dalmatians," this new Disney flick will have parents and children howling with laughter. Glenn Close returns as the deliciously evil Cruella De Vil. "102" starts where the last movie left off. Cruella still wants Dalmatian's pelts for her expensive coats and frocks. The Dalmatians are out trying to save their hides again!

Since the last film, Cruella has been confined to a mental hospital. The wealthy puppy kidnapper finally receives parole, showing that she would rather stroke Dalmatian's coats than wear them. A scientist created a potion that makes otherwise rivaling species get along. Cruella is one of these success stories.

Cruella is released under one condition; if she goes back to her old, fur-stealing ways, she will have give her entire fortune to dog shelters. The new owner of that lovable Dalmatian, Dipstick, is devoted dog lover, Chloe Simon (Alice Evans). Chloe does not trust Cruella, since she wrecked havoc with Dipstick's previous owners.

But chaos ensues again, when scientists stumble on the formula's weakness. Cruella's kindness to animals is short-lived, when a certain sound penetrates her brain waves. Now, she's back to her old tricks, and has a new accomplice, an elite fur designer (hilariously portrayed by Gerald Depardieu).

Glenn Close gets two paws up as Cruella! She passionately embodies the role, and makes it all her own! She's so deliciously wicked that she IS the Cruella of all time. She's an absolute scream to watch, from her over-the-top cackling and outfits to her devilishly good acting.

Close also has a powerful range of emotions, from being new and improved Cruella to regular, mean Cruella! She adds unique touches to her part, from her cartoonish, eye-popping facial expressions to her exaggerated poise in her billowing costumes. Close has made her role a classic.

This is the perfect movie for the whole family. It has enough excitement and humor for adults and children to enjoy alike. The Dalmatians are irresistible, doing amazing stunts and being action heroes in their own right.

"102 Dalmatians" is a bow-wow good time!

Joanne's Movie Reviews:
"Cats and Dogs"
by Joanne Spataro
Charlotte Observer Movie Critic
movie review
"Cat and Dogs" is a parody on the eternal struggle between dogs and cats. The Brody family doesn’t know that they are under siege by mischievous cats. The cats are planning to scratch out humans and dogs so they can rule the world. "Cats and Dogs" has something for everyone. There’s slapstick humor for kids, including dogs and cats comically crashing into trees. Find out more and see a trailer of the movie as well as the offical website which is a lot of fun, too!!

Now out on video
Joanne's Movie Reviews:
"My Dog Skip"
by Joanne Spataro
Movie Critic, the Charlotte Observer
review, pics & clips

"My Dog Skip" is an insightful movie about a boy who learns about life from his beloved canine. It's based on the autobiography of William Morris. "My Dog Skip" will appeal to families of all ages. Younger children will adore Skip. Parents and older kids will enjoy the gentle and dramatic story. Find out more.

Meet the Author
Deb Wood
author of "Help for Your Shy Dog"
hosted by Evamarie Spataro
see the interview,
FREE excerpt, breed profile & coloring page

She spent two years researching scientific information about shyness, speaking with trainers and behaviorists, and talking with people who own shy dogs. She has created a practical "how to" guide to give owners of shy dogs the tools to help their dogs blossom. Get the tips on how to pick a dog and even deal with the "shy dog." Also see the breed profile for the author's dog, the Papillon with a fun coloring sheet too!!

Now out on video

102 Dalmatians

102 Dalmatians (2000 Film)
(soundtrack) audio CD

101 Dalmatians (1996)

Disney's 102 Dalmatians:
Puppies to the Rescue
for Windows PC