101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure (2003)

What makes 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure such a pleasant surprise is how it takes a familiar Disney world and gives it a fresh, affectionate jolt of personality—through Patch, the puppy who’s brave enough to admit he’s tired of being “one of the crowd.” The movie has a bright, bouncy London vibe, with colorful animation, snappy slapstick, and genuinely funny voice work (Martin Short in particular brings a deliciously offbeat energy) that keeps the pace light even when the stakes get a little hairy. Best of all, it leans into the charm of old-school TV heroics with Thunderbolt, turning the story into a playful riff on fame, identity, and what it means to be a “real” hero without getting preachy. It’s not trying to be a grand reinvention of the original, and the cartoon peril and Cruella’s ever-present cigarette holder may give some parents pause, but if you want a warm, witty family sequel that actually earns its keep, this one’s easy to root for.

101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure is clearly trying to give one puppy a “you matter too” story while riffing on TV celebrity culture and bringing Cruella back for another round of chaos. The problem is it often feels like a safe, made-for-video retread: the plot hits familiar beats, the comedy is broad, and the stakes are mostly cartoon mayhem rather than anything especially clever or memorable. If you’re hoping for the charm, artistry, or narrative snap of the original, this can feel like a noisy side-quest that exists mainly to keep the brand running. That said, younger kids who like slapstick peril, bright animation, and a straightforward “find your place” message will probably have a perfectly fine time.