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Movie Review: Bolt
We went and saw this animated 3-D (!) movie this evening because it looked cute in the previews, and we weren't disappointed.
The preview makes the basic story clear: Bolt is a TV-star super-hero dog who doesn't realize that he's on TV--he actually thinks he has super powers. He gets loose and ends up in NYC and has to make his own way in the world as he tries to return to Penny, his Person. He captures a cat to try to find out about the nefarious plot that has separated him from his beloved Person, and meets up with his biggest fan, a hamster in a globe. Hilarity ensues.
I think what makes this movie work, first and foremost, is that the writers and animators seem to know dogs. All the animals are good, but it's Bolt and the other dogs that we see that really hold it together. We see their mannerisms, and we believe their inner world. On top of this, I'm fairly well convinced that for at least a few minutes each day, every dog thinks he or she is a super hero, so this film just takes the conceit to another level.
Second, it's a cute story with good laughs, a bit of adventure, and some heart-touching moments: a little something for everyone. I don't mean to suggest that Bolt will be or should be winning any awards, but it was an enjoyable film--one of those that works well for both children and adults, but especially for dog-lovers of all ages.