Movie Review: "Bolt"

Rated: PG for some mild action and peril
Starring: John Travolta and Miley Cyrus
Released: 2008

Synopsis
Television audiences everywhere know Bolt (John Travolta) as the super-dog who stops at nothing to save his owner, a young girl named Penny (Miley Cyrus).  The only problem? Bolt himself thinks the whole thing is real; he has no idea that it's all a show! When a mishap leads Bolt in New York City, clear on the other side of the country from his home in Hollywood, it's up to him and his new-found friends to find their way to Tinseltown.  Will Bolt and Penny be reunited?

The Good
There's little about this movie that isn't good.  The animation, for one, is outstanding; the intricate details on the animals' fur and the lifelike backgrounds make it feel very real, which is a hard task for a talking animal flick.  The voice work is also great; Miley even manages to do well.  Positive themes abound, too; Penny and Bolt show dedication to each other, and Bolt's new friends are by his side, even at a time of serious trouble.  It also showcases the separation of fiction and reality.  Seriously, this is a really good one.

The Bad
The only complaint that I really have is that the cuteness and action can be over-the-top at times, but most of the target audience won't care.  Also, the climax is a bit intense; maybe too much for some viewers.  That's about it, though.

Conclusion
When it comes to secular media, Disney is my favorite brand; between their movies, their television network, and pretty much everything else...they (usually) know how to do entertainment.  This is one such case; it's one of the best-produced and morally positive entertainment experiences I've had in a while.  If you haven't seen this yet...what are you waiting for? Go check it out from your local library, NOW!

Score: 4.5/5