Reminds me of when Alvin and the Chipmunks were a cartoon and not a 3D "creation".... Ah the 80's nostalgia. Can't say I'm the biggest fan of this film but I understand it had its place at the time.
A fun animated musical.
'Oliver & Company' isn't anything revolutionary, it follows similar beats to other children/animal Disney films, but the mix of the songs and a heartfelt premise is done very well.
The characters here are more than decent, though the voice cast are the reason why they are more memorable than they would otherwise be. Joey Lawrence (Oliver) and Billy Joel (Dodger) are the most notable, but Cheech Marin (Tito), Dom DeLuise (Fagin) and Robert Loggia (Sykes) all give something noteworthy too.
I like the animation style for the majority, aside from a few moments where it's a little less rounded off with senseless static backgrounds. The plot, as already noted, is quite hearty yet also funny, with the music keeping things feeling vibrant.
Another solid production from this decade of Disney.
Largely unremarkable, except for a few examples of early computer animation that lend some sweeping camera moves to the film, the best that can be said is that the entire film is watchable, yet equally forgettable. You would expect having a voice cast that included Bette Midler and Billy Joel, some of the songs might stand out, but they don't. Basing the story on Oliver Twist might seem like a good idea, but like the central character of that book, Oliver is largely reactive as a hero and doesn't really do anything. The cast of secondary characters are probably the best thing about the film and try to breathe a little life into the story, but the villain is weak. Apart from the aforementioned early steps into computer animation, the rest of the artwork is equally unmemorable. It's not Disney's worst animated film though and given it's short running time it doesn't outstay its welcome.
Loved this movie as a kid, watching it in English was maybe not the best choice as I didn't feel much nostalgia (We got street savoir-faire <<<< Ik ben een hond van de straat).
I like it overall and I always loved the chase on the metro line but I'll definitely watch it in Dutch next time.
Mediocre background and flat character designs that often remind me of an 80s morning cartoon show, not a Disney feature film.
In this contemporary talking-animal fable, a loose interpretation of Oliver Twist, Disney tries to appear street-smart, hip and relevant. So powerful is that urge, to seem youthful and cool, that the first major sing-along, performed by a dog in sunglasses (and voiced by Billy Joel), literally spells it out for us. Check it out, kids, we're still with-it. We know what's rad. Joel had a hit or two left in him at the time, though it's fair to say he was far from pop freshness, and Disney was stuck in the midst of a creative dry spell, so the whole attempt feels hollow, insecure and corporate. A real try-hard.
The limp storyline doesn't provide much help, wasting an eccentric Dom DeLuise performance on a simple homeless character who errantly floats in and out of the plot as needed, but the animation department deserves credit for their continued pursuit of the next big thing. In this case, that means computer-aided animation; a bold and impressive use of new tools which give both the pristine city skyline and its sharp, menacing automotive occupants an unusual sense of depth and perspective. It still looks and feels like a Disney movie, despite the (then) cutting-edge techniques, which is also commendable. Shame the rest of the act wasn't up to par. Simple and by-the-numbers, it's bright and pretty but not even remotely special.
Best moment? Why Should I Worry?
Shout by Neal MahoneyVIP 8BlockedParent2018-07-19T01:07:00Z
Tito is the best. Why should I worry is a pretty good song. The story is fine and it has a short run time so that is nice. I had a good time.