Movie Review: Bolt

Bolt is a Walt Disney Pictures 3-D Production directed by Chris Williams and Byron Howard, and produced by Clark Spencer and John Lasseter. Both Howard and Lasseter are no strangers to Disney movies. Byron Howard was the animator for Lilo and Stitch and Brother Bear. John Lasseter directed Cars, Toy Story and Toy Story 2. He was also the executive producer of Monsters, Inc, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and many others. With such a powerhouse team behind it, Bolt is ready to take on the competition. Bolt (John Travolta) is a super dog. His day is full of danger, excitement, and adventure. He has amazing super powers like heat vision, super speed, and even a super bark. Sadly, Bolt doesn’t know he is only a super dog on a TV show, so when he is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood lot to New York City, the real adventure begins.

Bolt embarks on a cross-country journey to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (Miley Cyrus). Along the way he gains two unlikely companions. One is an abandoned housecat named Mittens (Susie Essman), and the other is a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino (Mark Walton). Through this journey, Bolt learns he doesn’t need super powers to be a hero.
Bolt grabs your attention from the very beginning with an action packed ten-minute chase scene. There are motorcycles, low flying helicopters, explosions, and slow motion leaps. Children will be rooting for Bolt every step of the way.
The movie also offers up some big laughs. There is the sarcastic Mittens, quirky birds scattered through the film, and the downright hilarious Rhino. You will have a ball laughing at the characters. The casting for this movie is perfect. John Travolta is totally convincing as Bolt, and teen sensation Miley Cyrus is great for Penny’s heartfelt moments.
Bolt is a really good movie for all ages. Though parents may be surprised at all the action and might be taken back by the dramatic fire scene, the movie still delivers some family fun. Children will be drawn to how cute the characters are and, thanks to the amazing 3D effects, they will feel like they are along for the adventure. If you are looking for an action/comedy for the whole family, Bolt is just the movie to see.