Review of Bolt (2008) by Quinn B — 23 Aug 2011

2nd in the Lasseter Era.

Originally this film was titled "American Dog" and was to be directed by Chris Sanders, sadly he was removed when he refused to take suggestions from John Lasseter and others on improving bits of the story which originally featured an animal filled world much like "Chicken Little".

Largely improving over the animation from the last film, "Bolt" provides a look to it that is beautiful and looks 2D while still looking like a great CG film. The character models look cute enough to entertain the young and to please adults watching it with them. The film even provides some nice action sequences in the opening that really takes great advantage in the animation. The backgrounds of the film have a nice hand painted look to them that adds to the beauty in the film. Not quite as detailed as a Pixar movie but still beautiful to look at.

John Travolta stars as Bolt the "Super"dog, who might remind some of Pixar characters (mainly Buzz Lightyear) though he is still enjoyable to hear and fits the character perfectly. Susie Essman and Mark Walton voice supporting animal characters Mittens and Rhino respectively, they do great jobs, especially the latter who is very hilarious and well have the adults laughing with the kids. Miley Cyrus of Disney channel fame lends her voice to Bolt's owner Penny, while not a good match for the character, the plus side is that she only speaks in about 15 minutes of the 90 minute run time. The rest in the film do well as their characters, which includes Malcolm McDowell as the film's TV show villain Dr.Calico who comes off as the typical Saturday morning villain.

Plot-wise the film borrows a lot from previous Pixar films. Bolt is a famed TV show super dog, except he's the only one who doesn't know it believing it is all real, when an accident sends him across the real world, Bolt must find a way back to owner Penny while coming to terms with the fact that his whole life has been a lie. It's funny, it's charming and has heart to it, but some might be bothered by the amount of story and character development that's used being borrowed from Pixar. Still one can overcome that and enjoy it as a fun charming family film.

"Bolt" is a solid film, though it does borrow from previous films, it finds it's own way to make those elements interesting enough for families to sit down and be entertain.

Up Next: Wait, 2D is back? For Real!!! time to sing and dance with joy!