Press-Republican

A&E

Discussion

PLEASE NOTE: There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

ALSO NOTE: Derisive name-calling of an individual or group will result in the entire comment being deleted. This includes the terms "stupid" and "idiot" and similar references.

Welcome to our new online comments feature. Before you can join the discussion, you must first register with Disqus and verify your email address.

Once you do, your comments will post after they have been reviewed by a moderator.

We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean.

Not all comments are deemed printable. Some are disqualified, at the newspaper’s discretion, for a number of reasons. Here are some typical practices to avoid in trying to get your comment printed:

There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

Don’t state as a fact something that is unsubstantiated or that our editors wouldn't know to be true.

Don’t presume someone’s guilt in a case when it hasn't been established by a court.

Don’t assail or impugn an identifiable individual or group. If you have that kind of criticism, sign your name and submit it as a Letter to the Editor. (There is some leeway on this in connection with public officials, but it is not unconditional.)

Don’t use profanity. This includes the term “tea bagger.”

Don’t be incendiary or tasteless. Those qualities are subjective, of course, and our editors will be the arbiters.

Do not identify yourself in the main content area of the article content form. Only by enforcing this rule can the moderators prevent unscrupulous commenters from falsely identifying themselves as someone they are not.

Don't type in all caps. It is considered the Internet equivalent of shouting.

In sports articles, do not criticize officiating.

Remember, moderators are not allowed to edit any article comments. If an article comment fails any of the above criteria, the entire comment will be deleted.

We monitor comments Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Approval of comments outside these times may be delayed.
comments powered by Disqus
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

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Steve Ouellette's Movie Reviews

Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
Entertainment Videos
Dwarfing Around With Ray Winstone VH1's 'Single Ladies' Launches Season 2 RPatz Swaps Cullen for Cronenberg Stars Crowd Red Carpet for AmfAR Knick's Anthony on NY Life, Linsanity, New Role Zefron Gets Eroticised Kristen Stewart 'On the Road' to Cannes Mads Mikkelsen on 'The Hunt' in Cannes Brad Pitt Dispels Wedding Date Rumors at Cannes Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes ShowBiz Minute: Gibb, Billboard, Smith Robin Gibb of Bee Gees Dies at 62 Raw Video: Will Smith Slaps Journalist Wes Anderson Makes His Cannes Debut Tony Nominee Josh Young on Judas Role in 'JCS' Jaime King's Southern Belle Secrets ShowBiz Minute: Summer, Gaga, Beckham Fans Pay Tribute to Donna Summer Glenn Frey on New Solo Record, Eagles Disco Queen Donna Summer Dies at 63