New York State of Mind

Oliver & Company (1988)

Rated: G

Runtime: 74 minutes

Princess/Heroine: Jenny

Prince/Hero: Oliver, Dodger

Sidekicks: Fagin, Einstein, Francis, Georgette, Rita, Tito, Winston

Villain: Sykes, Roscoe, DeSoto

Music: “Good Company”, “Once Upon a Time in New York City”, “Perfect Isn’t Easy”, “Streets of Gold, “Why Should I Worry”

Rating—out of 5 Mickey Mouse ears: 2 ears. 1 for Oliver/Dodger, and 1 for Einstein/Francis/Georgette/Rita/Tito.

Oh Billy Joel.... Has he ever done anything that is really good? Jenny is ok as the rich girl that takes Oliver in. Oliver and Dodger are a decent duo that knows their way around a hot dog stand. Einstein, Francis, Georgette, Rita, and Tito are a good way to round out your gang. Sykes ... well, he has huge hands. The music is catchy, but in a bad way. The songs are not that good, yet you can’t get them out of your head. With all this not-so-goodness, it’s hard to see how this movie has such a big following.

This was a disappointing start to the second half of the 52 Disney movie adventure. I am guessing the higher-up people spent the summer discussing how to make Disney movies better for the upcoming decade. This movie probably won’t do well in the bracket. Sorry Billy Joel, you will have to stick to your day job ... unfortunately.