Key Highlights
- Jude Law, now 52, gave a scathing review of “101 Dalmatians” as an 11-year-old on the BBC’s Breakfast Time in October 1984.
- Law criticized the predictability of the film and noted that it was funny due to its unique animal perspective.
- The resurfaced clip from 39 years ago shows Law’s keen interest in films as a child, describing himself as a “movie nerd.”
- Despite his negative review, Law later worked with Disney on multiple projects, including “Captain Marvel,” “Peter Pan & Wendy,” and “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.”
The Unexpected Humor in ‘101 Dalmatians’
In a resurfaced 1984 clip from the BBC’s Breakfast Time, Jude Law, then an 11-year-old boy, offered his candid thoughts on Disney’s classic film “101 Dalmatians.” Law described the movie as “very predictable,” but also noted that he found it amusing due to its unique narrative perspective. The 11-year-old Law, who would go on to become a renowned actor and two-time Oscar nominee, highlighted specific aspects of the film that struck him at the time.
A Critical Mind from an Early Age
Law stated, “You could tell from the very beginning it was all very predictable,” emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the film’s plot. However, he added, “I did enjoy it. It was funny.
I liked very much the way, from the very beginning, the animals actually called the humans their pets.” This perspective offered a fresh and somewhat humorous take on the movie, which is known for its anthropomorphic characters. Law further commented that the whole story was told by the male dog, Pongo.
The BBC’s Perspective
BBC Archive Instagram shared the clip, writing, “In 1984 11-year-old Jude Law was on the Breakfast Time sofa to review some of the half-term cinema releases. Jude gave a thorough critique with presenter Fern Britton later saying he would make a good film reviewer… She was nearly right.” The clip not only highlights Law’s early interest in films but also demonstrates his ability to provide insightful commentary even at such a young age.
From Film Critic to Oscar-Winner
The clip from 1984, which surfaced just days before Law turned 52, shows the star’s journey from a young boy with a passion for movies to an accomplished actor. Despite his critical stance on “101 Dalmatians,” Law has gone on to work extensively in Hollywood and has even collaborated with Disney multiple times. In 2019, he starred in “Captain Marvel,” followed by roles in “Peter Pan & Wendy” (2023) and “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” (2024).
Law’s early engagement with film criticism demonstrates his deep understanding of storytelling and the industry from a young age.
His keen observations as a child reflect not only his love for movies but also his potential to become one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. The clip serves as an interesting glimpse into the formative years of a future film star, highlighting how early experiences can shape one’s career trajectory.
Conclusion
The resurfaced BBC clip from 1984 provides a fascinating look at Jude Law’s early passion for films and his ability to offer critical yet insightful commentary. Despite his negative review of “101 Dalmatians,” the 52-year-old actor has gone on to achieve significant success in the entertainment industry, proving that even young critics can have a lasting impact.
