It's quite interesting that Oliver & Company was Disney's animated feature in 1988, just one year before The Little Mermaid signalled the studio's renaissance. The difference in quality and appeal between these two movies could hardly have been greater. Oliver & Company is based on Charles Dickens' 19th century novel Oliver Twist, and Dickens' plot is actually quite cleverly translated to Manhattan in the 1980's, with the characters reinterpreted as cartoon animals. But even though you might recognize a lot of the story elements from the book, the movie lacks the magic and drama of Dickens' story - and of any truly classic Disney feature, for that matter. The kitten Oliver is a whining, two- dimensional imitation of the enchanting kitties from Aristocats. He is totally devoid of personality and, quite frankly, you don't really care what happens to him. The same could be said of all the other characters, with the possible exception of Bette Midler's poodle-diva Georgette. The songs (written and sung by Billy Joel) are also
uncharacteristically weak for a Disney feature. Oliver & Company is quite possibly Disneys least interesting animated feature to date, albeit with tough competition from Winnie The Pooh and The Fox And The Hound.
uncharacteristically weak for a Disney feature. Oliver & Company is quite possibly Disneys least interesting animated feature to date, albeit with tough competition from Winnie The Pooh and The Fox And The Hound.