Classics: A Review of Oliver & Company By Lauren Ennis

 Following the death of its visionary founder in 1966 the Walt Disney Company entered what is commonly known as "the Disney Dark Age". In this era the studio's reputation and industry dominance faltered as a result of lowered animation standards and lack luster scripts. While the majority of the studio's effort at this time proved middling at best, there were a select few film released during this time that still held he sparkle of Disney magic. One such film is the 1988 animated adventure Oliver & Company. This modern take on the classic Dickens novel Oliver Twist. is sure to leave viewers saying, "I want some more".

The story begins on New York City's 5th Avenue as a litter of kittens are being offered to passerby. All of the kittens quickly find new homes except for one, Oliver. After a rain storm washes away the cardboard box he was living in he finds himself alone in the big city. While searching for food he meets street wise terrier, Dodger, who proposes hat they work together to steal from a local street vendor. After Dodger double crosses him, Oliver follows the dog back to the abandoned barge where Dodger makes his home with homeless Fagin and his gang of stray dogs. Orphaned Oliver soon finds himself at the center of the strays' makeshift gamily and part of their gang of furry thieves. When one of the gang's schemes goes awry he's separated from them and welcomed into the luxurious home of a wealthy and lonely little girl named Jenny. When Fagin is threatened by a ruthless loan shark he concocts a scheme that will place Oliver's new life and the gang's future in danger. It's up to Oliver and both of his found families to save the day with a bit of street savoir faire.

While contemporary critics offered middling reviews, audiences have fallen in love with Oliver and Dodger in the decades since the film's release. The film was a stark departure from the fairytale formula that marked the successes of Disney's so-called Golden Age and the Disney Renaissance of the 1990's. Rather than focusing upon fantastical adventures in a far away land the film explored the exploits of stray animals in urban America. As a result, the characters and world in which they live made for more relatable viewing. Similarly, the film used its modern setting to explore such real world issues homelessness, crime, and abandonment. In this way, the film offered apt insight into complex issues that society continues to grapple with today. Even as it delves into the difficult subjects, however, the film's clever use of animals as stand-ins for their human counterparts keeps the story from becoming too dark for younger audiences. The film additionally deviates from Disney's earlier efforts by exploring such universal themes as the value of family, the importance of friendship, and the courage of everyday people. In this way the film continues to resonate with audiences of all ages by reminding us all of what is most important in our own world and the ways in which we can work to make it a better place. For family fun with some big city soul leave your worries behind with Dodger and Oliver & Company.

The film brings the hustle and bustle of the big apple to life thanks to the work of its star studded vocal cast. Taurean Blacque and Carl Weintraub perfectly capture the arrogance and aggression of loan shark Sykes' Dobermans, Roscoe and Desoto. Robert Loggin conveys quiet menace as Sykes. Sheryl Lee Ralph offers an equal parts sultry and sassy turn as street smart Saluki, Rita. Roscoe Lee Brown turns in a hilariously pretentious performance worthy of Frasier Crane as cultured Bulldog, Francis. Richard Mulligan is a loveable lunkhead as the dim-witted but big-hearted Great Dane, Einstein. Cheech Marin steals each scene in which he appears as little Chihuahua with a big attitude, Tito. Bette Midler is a villain who viewers will love to hate as Jenny's haughty show-Poodle, Georgette. Dom DeLuise balances heart and hilarity at the hapless Fagin. Natalie Gregory imbues Jenny with sweetness and sincerity. William Glover infuses Jenny's overwhelmed butler, Winston, with warmth and charm. Joey Lawrence captures Oliver's courage, tenacity, and vulnerability in a mature performance that belies his young years. Even in a supporting role the film belongs to the effortless cool and finesse of Billy Joel as Dodger. Joel brings his signature bravura and charisma to the film in a way that ensures that Dodger, and the film as a whole, truly rock.

At once an homage to Dickens, a tribute to classic Disney, and a fresh tale of modern city life, this film will have you wanting to join Oliver & Company. The script offers an action-packed adventure that the whole family will love. The animation, music, and vocal performances bring the dog-eat-dog world of the big city to vibrant life. For fun for the whole family, hit the streets with Oliver & Company.

Why should we worry, why should we care?