Disney's renaissance in animation trace back to The Little Mermaid, yet its roots can be traced to the underrated 1988 gem that went unnoticed.
In the heart of the 1980s, Disney's animated film Oliver and Company made its debut, showcasing a modern, urban setting and a story that never let up. Released in 1986, this movie was a significant factor in Disney's revival leading into the Disney Renaissance era.
Oliver and Company was indeed a key commercial success, grossing over $100 million and marking a solid comeback for Disney animation after a period of struggles. It arrived just a year before The Little Mermaid (1989), which officially kicked off the Disney Renaissance with its critical and commercial triumph.
However, Oliver and Company is often considered underappreciated compared to other Disney classics from the Renaissance. It was overshadowed by the massive breakthrough and lasting cultural impact of The Little Mermaid and subsequent Renaissance hits like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King, which featured more memorable songs, iconic characters, and broader critical acclaim.
While it captured the spirit and animation quality that foreshadowed the Renaissance, Oliver and Company is sometimes seen as a transitional or a "hidden gem" rather than a definitive classic. It lacks the Broadway-style musical numbers that became a hallmark of the Renaissance films, which helped cement those movies in popular culture and awards recognition.
Despite its underappreciation, Oliver and Company boasts a cool factor with larger-than-life characters such as the Shakespeare-loving British Bulldog, Francis, pampered poodle Georgette, and hyperactive Chihuahua Tito. The movie's finale features darkly funny, twisted elements reminiscent of Lady and the Tramp, and it paved the way for Disney's successful period known as the Disney Renaissance, which lasted from 1989 to 1999.
The story revolves around Jenny, a sweet young girl, who adopts the luckless Oliver. Robert Loggia played the role of the fearsome mob boss Sykes, while Joey Lawrence voiced the character of Oliver. Sykes, the fearsome mob boss, experiences a brutal, shocking comeuppance in the movie's finale. The movie also features a rendition of the song 'Why Should I Worry?' sung by Billy Joel, who provided the singing voice for the character Dodger in the film.
Roscoe and DeSoto, the Doberman dogs, are Sykes' accomplices in the final chase, which is impressively intense. The movie's ending proves that there was still plenty of bite at Disney, deviating from the usual clean, happy ending formula. Despite being ahead of its time, Oliver and Company still retains the old-fashioned Disney heart.
In summary, Oliver and Company played a key commercial and creative role in sparking the Disney Renaissance's success by proving the studio could still produce hits and setting the stage for the celebrated classics that followed. Its underappreciation stems largely from being eclipsed by the unprecedented acclaim and legacy of the films that officially defined the Renaissance a year later.
- In the streaming world, you can find Oliver and Company in Disney+, alongside other movies and TV shows.
- Total Film magazine's reviews often highlight the underrated charm of Oliver and Company, praising its unique blend of action, adventure, and comedy.
- If you're a gamer with a Nintendo console, you might be interested to know that there's an Oliver and Company game available for switch, offering an interactive experience of the film.
- In the entertainment industry, Oliver and Company, released in 1986, is often regarded as a precursor to the Disney Renaissance, showcasing the studio's transition to more modern, urban settings.
- The movie's deals may vary depending on the platform, but none can deny the entertainment value that Oliver and Company provides, with its mix of animation quality, engaging characters, and captivating plot.
- As you explore the history of Disney animation, remember to include Oliver and Company in your timeline, a movie that bridges the gap between the studio's struggles and the subsequent era of success known as the Disney Renaissance.
