This protracted climax really hits bottom, however, when Cruella enters the scene and becomes merely a punching bag for Hughes' elaborate sight gags - capped by her fall into a barrel of molasses.

In the first film, Cruella is a genuine force to be reckoned with, a villain who continually has the upper hand. But here, she becomes merely a prop.

Worse, this turn of events belies Close's performance, which, in earlier scenes, is as wicked and in control as possible. In fact, Close is so commanding, she even steals scenes from the dogs - no mean feat in itself.

Since so much of the first half is charming, witty and filled with promise, it's especially disheartening that so much is thrown out the window in this lame-brained finale.

Hughes' next Disney project is a remake of "The Absent-Minded Professor." The good news is that he's landed Robin Williams to take the Fred MacMurray role. The bad news is that Hughes has scripted and will produce the film.

Let's just hope it's not "Home Alone With Flubber."

"101 Dalmatians" is rated G, but is very dark and threatening and is loaded with "Home Alone"-style violence. Parents of little ones stand warned. There is no foul language, however - unless you recognize a couple of British slang vulgarities.