First shot of animation: steam rising from the rooftops of NYC

Opening with a music montage is new, a full explanation of the main character and his circumstances before a single word spoken. And then, this turns out to be the first attempt at a musical in a long time. Songs feel more like ads for a soundtrack album than part of the narrative. Most happen because it’s been a while since the last one.

This one still looks below the expected polish of a Disney animated feature, more like DTV. The backgrounds are stylized illustrations, like a descendant of 101 Dalmatians. Pongo even has a cameo. Alaina thought it looked like the Alvin and the Chipmunks movies of the era, and damn if the little girl doesn’t look just like a Chipette.

But there are moments of ambition. The slow circle around piano practice, more fun perspective shifts, and those backgrounds are so vibrant and characterful. The best cartooning is in Sykes’ boneless body, and Georgette’s face. I’d watch 90 minutes of that poodle emoting.

Unusually stacked cast, we’re approaching the all celebrity norm. Most of the cast is the sort of character actor that’s been cast since the 60s, Robert Loggia is fantastic, but Billy Joel is just stunt casting. On the other hand, we get to hear Bette Midler bark like a dog.

Yeah, it’s the least of the 80s movies. But like all the others this decade, it’s better than people remember.