101 Dalmations II: Patch's London Adventure (January 21, 2003)

This is a direct-to-video sequel to 1961’s 101 Dalmatians. It follows one of Pongo and Perdita’s 99 pups, Patch as he is accidentally left behind as they movie with their owners, Rodger and Anita Radcliffe, to a “Dalmatian Plantation” in the countryside. Patch, afraid that he is simply one of 101 Dalmatians instead of being one of a kind, decides to make use of this time on his own to try and get a spot on his favorite TV show, The Thunderbolt Adventure Hour. He ends up going on an adventure with the star of the show, Thunderbolt, a German shepherd, who was tricked by his sidekick the show (who is constantly in his shadow) into thinking he will die off on the show and be cut. Thunderbolt tries to do heroic acts to prove that he is a real hero and he ends up becoming a mentor figure for Patch. Cruella De Vil is also involved, starting out reformed, but eventually reverting to her old, dalmatian fur coat creating ways (her henchmen also appear which is delightful). The story is actually pretty cute, a slightly different take on the lost child adventure trope. The new voice actors do a great job (particularly those who are voicing the original characters), a rarity for these sequels filmed decades after the originals. The animation style is similar to the original film but updated with a modern look. Overall, this film is a solid sequel, one of the few that, while superfluous, is a charming and fun watch (and with a great message of self-worth).

Final Rating: 6.5/10