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November 27, 2008

'Bolt' energetic, sweet, fun

<a href="mailto:souellette@pressrepublican.com">By STEVE OUELLETTE</a>

OK, so maybe "Bolt" isn't cutting-edge stuff, and maybe it won't steal any Oscar votes away from "WALL-E."

The first animated feature for Disney Studios since Pixar's John Lasseter took over, however, is energetic and fun. It's a sweet film that really aims for the kids, not the parents — though the grown-ups will likely enjoy the ride, as well.

The title character in "Bolt" (voiced by John Travolta) is a thoroughly adorable animated dog who is completely devoted to his owner, Penny. He is also completely convinced that he is a super dog, with super strength, super speed and a bark that can wipe out entire armies.

Bolt's delusion is courtesy of a TV studio, which believes that its action adventure series, starring Penny (Miley Cyrus) and her pooch, will have a more realistic feel if Bolt is kept isolated in a fantasy world — think "Truman Show" — where he really believes he can defeat the bad guys and leap tall buildings in a single bound.

Thinking Penny is in real danger, however, Bolt escapes his studio trailer and ends up accidentally shipped to New York City. From there, he's got to find his way back to Hollywood, completely bereft of powers.

For the wild journey back, Bolt acquires some help: a reluctant streetwise cat named Mittens (Susie Essman of "Curb Your Enthusiasm") and a delusional — but quite funny — hamster named Rhino (Mark Walton), who spends most of the film in a quite functional plastic ball.

The animation itself is very good, probably even better for those who get to see it in 3D (note to local theaters: When will we get a screening room with 3D capability?). The characters are all likable, and the simple story moves briskly toward its inevitable warm conclusion.

"Bolt" could have been a lame, cookie-cutter kiddie adventure, but it smoothly exceeded those bounds. It produces laughs largely without pop-culture references — though there are a few sets of chatty pigeons — instead depending on cat-dog interplay and the amusing nature of canines. Yeah, and a wacky hamster, too.

"Bolt" is no classic, but it's plenty good enough.

Rental recommendation: Way back when (1963? Really?) "The Incredible Journey" told the inspirational story (remade complete with voices as "Homeward Bound" in 1993) of three pets making their way cross-country to find their owner. It's dated now, but still has a lot of warmth and nostalgia going for it. Grade: B+

E-mail Steve Ouellette at: ouellette1918@gmail.com

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