by Jane Mays-Evans

Created on: May 21, 2009   Last Updated: June 04, 2009

He is small, orange, furry, and ever so cute. His name is Oliver and he is the main character in Disney's most underrated film, Oliver and Company. This movie is a Disney original and was created in the 1980's. The movie was inspired by Dickens's novel, Oliver Twist.

The story takes place in New York City. The characters consist of a homeless kitten named Oliver, a street-smart mutt named Dodger, Dodger's owner Fagin, and a rich girl named Jenny who ends up finding Oliver. When the movie begins, Oliver is hungry and is looking for food throughout the city. He is offered help by a mutt named Dodger to get food, but gets the short end of the stick. Oliver ends up following Dodger home when Dodger tries to steal all the food. Later on, Oliver sneaks in Fagin's home to retrieve his food and is attacked by all of Dodger's friends (the dog gang). Fagin breaks it up and Oliver is offered a place in the dog gang because of his courage.

Fagin is in a lot of trouble because he owes some crooks a lot of money. They end up sending the dogs after him to collect what is owed. Oliver and Dodger roam the city with Fagin looking for money or things to sell. They end up near a Pawn Shop and this is when Oliver meets Jenny. She is a sweet and wealthy little girl. Jenny immediately takes to Oliver. She offers him a good home, love, and comfort. Fagin tricks Jenny by claiming Oliver has been kidnapped. He wants her to pay a ransom for Oliver because Fagin owes gambling debts. Jenny takes off to the city to find Oliver herself. Fagin eventually gives Oliver back to Jenny but then Jenny is kidnapped by the men Fagin owes gambling debts. They know she is wealthy and eventually offer a ransom to her parents. Oliver, Dodger and the dog gang here of the news and go after him. They end up saving Jenny. Oliver ends up going back with Jenny where he is offered a home and love. Oliver and Dodger are separated, but promise to remain friends.

Oliver and Company is an excellent movie with a happy ending. It has intriguing characters and a great story line. It is colorful and humorous. I believe it is one of Disneys best for children. Even the music from the film is great. Artists such as Billy Joel, Huey Lewis, and Bette Middler have songs in the movie. Although this movie is underrated, it is a very good movie for children and adults. I would recommend this movie to any audience.

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