Today’s quick review: Bolt. Bolt (John Travolta), a dog who stars in a hit TV show, believes the events of the show are real, including his array of superpowers. He gets his first taste of the real world when a shipping accident sends across the country by himself. Now Bolt must make his way back to his owner Penny (Miley Cyrus) with the help of Mittens (Susie Essman), a streetwise alleycat, and Rhino (Mark Walton), a hamster who’s a fan of the show.
Bolt is an animated family adventure comedy from Disney. The movie drops Bolt, a naive dog with delusions of heroism, into a world completely different from the one he knows. Along the long journey back home, Bolt must learn to thrive in the real world and confront the truth of his life so far. The movie features polished CGI, a fair amount of action, and a satisfying story. However, it does not have the depth needed to become a classic.
Bolt’s greatest strength is its story. The premise borrows from a number of sources, particularly films like Homeward Bound and The Truman Show, but its unique blend of influences and loving execution carve out a niche for it. The plot is predictable but satisfying, the characters are likable, and the humor and the action are consistently strong. Finally, Susie Essman deserves special mention for her performance as Mittens, the film’s standout role.
Give Bolt a shot when you’re in the mood for a light, sentimental adventure with a good mix of comedy and action. Bolt doesn’t rise to the level of Disney’s best work, but its solid craftsmanship and heartfelt story make it an enjoyable watch just the same. For a dramatic comedy that explores a similar premise, check out The Truman Show. For a Disney film with a similar plot structure and more substance, check out Finding Nemo.
6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a charming premise and solid execution.