The plot of Bolt may be borrowed from many other films such as The Incredible Journey but this tale is performed with such brio that only an adult would notice.
The basic story is of a showbiz dog who believes, really believes that he has his on-screen character's super-powers. Thrown in to the real world and transported across the US, much of Bolt is taken up with his journey back to Hollywood in the company of Mittens the cat and Rhino the hamster.
The opening and closing scenes are very exciting with the pacing superb throughout. Matt (aged nine) was gripped throughout - no request for the loo, which is a first! He loved the 3D effects and I thought they were great. You can see why it is being hailed as the future in cinema entertainment. The computer graphics are impressive too - the fur on Bolt is very life-like.
The characterisation is striking too - Rhino being especially noticeable as the Bolt uber-fan with a touch of zen kung fu mysticism. Particularly notable is a running joke with pigeons who reflect the areas they live in - either brash New Yorkers or laid back Californians. Their animation is particularly inspired.
I am sure that Matt will be requesting the DVD as soon as it is available - he really enjoyed the film. As I said it was amazing that he sat all the way through it. I found it entertaining and in some ways it was good to see a children's film that wasn't weighed down with smart references for adults to pick up on. All in all, highly recommended for boys and girls.
Certificate PG; executive producer John Lasseter; voices of John Travolta, Miley Cyrus and Susie Essman.