Review of Balto (1995) by David A — 23 Nov 2009

(from The Watermark 12/17/95).

BALTO (vocal talents of Kevin Bacon, Bridget Fonda, Bob Hoskins): Proof positive that Disney no longer holds the monopoly on quality big-screen animation, Balto is the name of a half wolf / half dog outcast (Bacon) who wants to be a sled dog. But nobody will let him because he?s a half-breed. He befriends a beautiful lady dog (Fonda) whose master, an adorable six-year-old, is sick with diphtheria. The medicine shipment needed to save her and other sick folks in their small Alaskan town is delayed because the team of sled dogs sent to get it are lost. Even though the odds (and the weather) are against him, Balto sets out to retrieve the medicine himself.

The film, from Steven Spielberg?s Amblimation Studios, boasts much more refined animation than the smurfy American Tail flicks, though the artistic directors seem to better handle duplicating the movements of the animals than those of the human beings. Computer animation is also put to work to simulate the high-energy snowstorms, and other elements of nature to wonderful effect.

At times, it feels as though the film is trying too hard to make its supporting cast lovable and goofy, such as a trio of yes-man sleigh dogs, a voice-of-reason Russian goose (Hoskins), and a pair of ditzy grizzly bears. The slapstick humor is forced at times, but never takes away from the story, which is a well-written and compelling drama. You never question whether Balto will make it back, but the surprises that await him along the way make for great adventure.

Queer Quotient: There?s a point at which Balto realizes that most dogs wouldn?t be able to make it through the terrible storm, but wolves easily can survive such weather. It is a great turning point for his character when, after wanting to ignore his wolf heritage for his whole life, Balto must own up to and be glad of what he truly is in order to survive. Parallels, anyone?