Sunday, December 7, 2008

BOLT!

It is a rare event for me to go to a movie. I just think they are way too expensive and not worth the money usually. For most films, I wait for them to come out on video and if I still want to see them, I rent them. 

So I don't often do a movie review. But last night my sister invited us to go with her and her boys to the new Disney movie Bolt, and this is one I feel is worth reviewing.

The new Disney Animation Movie Bolt is great fun for the whole family. The story of a dog who believes he is the super hero he plays in his life as a TV star, Bolt, is a lovable character that even cat lovers can appreciate. 

While many animated films are only entertaining to the children in the audience, Bolt delivers solid laughs to audiences of all ages.  The writing is witty, the characters well developed, and the story both funny and touching in all the right parts.

The animation is incredible. I didn't even realize it was a cartoon for the first few moments of the film. The scenes of Las Vegas were spot on and very well illustrated. They even had images of the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign that my great aunt designed. (It did however show this sign in the middle of the desert which has not been the case for about 20 years. It is now next to a huge shopping area known as Town Square.)

In all I would recommend Bolt to nearly everyone. Whether on the big screen or as a rental, this is one movie worth your time. My mother, sister, her 5 year old boys and my 7, 5 and 3 year old girls all loved the movie. There were a few loud somewhat scary scenes that had my 3 year old wide eyed and nervous but she was not crying and wanting to leave. But those prone to be scared by loud noises or scenes with intensity like were in the Incredibles fighting scenes should beware.

Bolt was a bit overshadowed in its release by the Twilight release. I also saw Twilight. I went in with low expectations and was very pleased at how much I enjoyed the movie. Still, Bolt should not be held in the shadow but will be an enduring classic in the Disney collection. If you saw the movie let me know what you think of it. 

11 comments:

Bray said...

My husband and I took our kids the day after Thanksgiving with the Grandparents. After about 15 min we were both sound asleep. We woke up for the last 10-20 min but I didn't really like what I saw. Maybe I need to give it another chance.

Anonymous said...

I appreciate the recommendation! I hadn't heard anything about it, so I wasn't going to see it. But now I'll have to make sure I see it (probably as a rental).

Amanda said...

What a great review, I think you should be paid for that ;)

Katie and Mark said...

I took my kids to see that at Townsquare-now near your famous "Welcome To Las Vegas" sign. : ) I had my 5, 4, 2, and 7 month old with me, and they all loved it! I liked it as well, but thought it got a lot better after the first 15 mintues of it.

We ended up seeing it in the IMAX Theater in 3D. It was pretty fun, and the kids loved it, but they charged a couple bucks more for the 3D tickets.

As for Twilight, I LOVED all the books, and I enjoyed the movie as well. I got the CD and fell in love with the music too. After I got familiar with songs, I saw the movie a second time and liked it even more!

**I LOVE going to the movies!**

Mooy oh Mooy! said...

Thanks for the great review!! My husband worked as a modeler on much of the movie and we hope people will love it. I got to see it at the crew screening at the Kodak theatre in Hollywood and I think it is the best movie to come out of the Disney Animation Studio in a long time!
I agree the first few minutes can be a little dark and startling and load - and it gets better and better as the movie goes along. I really liked it and so has everyone we know.
I am sure the studio would love to know you have reviewed the movie and have such high regards for it - and so many people read your blog. Thank you - cause around here "The Mouse" pays the bills and we hope this movie is a classic!

Rhonda said...

we went as a family for our traditional THanksgiving day movie. We all LOVED it! And I'd heard nothing of the movie before we went to see it so we were so pleasantly surprised. For ME to love a kiddie movie is rare too.

I just saw Twilight Sat night and really, really liked it. I can't wait for the next one, they did SUCH a good job!

Stephanie said...

Stephanie,

I took my two youngest girls, ages 7 and 3 to see BOLT opening weekend. We all loved it! It was very entertaining and had amazing animation and fun music. I rarely go to the movies, so this was an extra special treat to have the movie be so entertaining and delightful!

Stephanie, I have been a quiet witness to your blog for several months and I have to tell you... I am a better mother because of you. I so appreciate you sharing your personal trials and blessings, especially those of your sweet angel baby Camille. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. You, and all others I am aware of in similar circumstances, have been and continue to be in my prayers.

You are a blessing to so many parents in the blogging world who come upon your site, like me. I have not had the unfortunate tragedy that you and your angel mom and dad friends have suffered and yet I am strengthened by you, your husband and both of your testimonies.

I am more patient, loving and understanding with my children. Thank you for your kind and selfless example as a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am SURE that our Heavenly Father and Mother are smiling upon you as you help so many of their children here on Earth.

Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family.

Aprilyn said...

We saw this movie over Thanksgiving break with my in-laws. I LOVED IT!!! I was laughing so hard through the whole movie. I absolutely loved it and look forward to buying it on DVD. I think the Hamster was my favorite character but it's hard to pick just one. My 4 yr old liked it but it didn't keep his interest. Then again, nothing does. We're pretty sure he has ADHD (and Autistic Spectrum Disorder) so he never sits through ANYTHING. My 10 yr old LOVED the movie and wants to see it again.

Rebecca Whitcomb North said...

Bolt is a wonderful and entertaining family movie. Brad, the kids and I enjoyed the characters and the storyline the most, and the animation was great as well! We felt it was worth seeing it at least once in the theaters, and we will definitely be buying it on DVD.

Stephanie, I felt the same exact way about Twilight, too. I went to the theaters with low expectations, and ended up being pleasantly surprised. I definitely wouldn't call the movie a classic, but there were things about the movie that I really enjoyed and wouldn't mind seeing again. I look forward to finding out how New Moon turns out.

Mindy said...

I was thinking of taking my nephews, thinking I might be bored, but they'd love it. But now, I am thinking I just might enjoy it! :) Not being a reader of the Twilight books, it's going to take a little bit more to try and get me to the movie. :)

Linda said...

My daughter and son in law took the two grands to see Bolt, and they all loved it!!! I can't wait to see it myself.
Little Gabe (5 yrs old)has written on his Christmas list for Santa "Bolt for Wii" because he saw it in the toys r us ad. Well, they don't have a Wii, so my daughter had to explain that to him. He promptly erased it from his list!