During her time inside, the eccentric Dr Pavlov has managed to take the Cruel out of Cruella but, deep down, she still has the same doggy-snatching, murderous instincts and it's not long before she drops her new persona to reveal a lady even more mean and terrifying than before.

The ex-convict's parole officer is a bouncy blonde, Alice Evans (Chloe), who is sceptical of Cruella's reform.

When the behaviour modification spell is broken, her suspicions are proven frighteningly accurate.

Chloe is ready to go to any lengths to save her new-born Dalmatians, who appear to be the object of Cruella's desire for the ultimate spotty fur coat.

This sequel will please those who loved the elaborate costumes, hair-dos and facial expressions of Cruella the first time round.

Close is as deliciously outrageous as in the original, and will frighten children and delight adults.

The puppies are cute and don't talk, which will make the whole experience of sitting through the film bearable for the whole family - perhaps even pleasurable.

Eric Idle brings some credible comedy moments as the voice of a talking parrot, and Gruffudd and Evans are attractive as the 'good humans'.

One classic moment is when they re-inact the spaghetti-eating scene from Lady And The Tramp.

Natalie Stone