“Bolt”

Rated PG for some mild action and peril.



“Bolt” is the animated tale of a TV star dog (voiced by John Tavolta), who actually believes he is his own character: a dog with super powers. His “person” is a cute young girl named Penny (voiced by Miley Cyrus). Bolt believes Penny is a real Nancy Drew type girl (not the actress she really is) who is forever getting into predicaments with her scientist dad and an evil guy (voiced by Malcolm McDowell) who is intent, of course, on taking over the world.

One day, this Hollywood dog escapes his trailer and is accidentally shipped off to New York. Bolt is a big, big celebrity and is recognized as such but he thinks he is just a dog with super powers, not a super-star. This complicates matters when he decides he must go across the country to re-join his “person” and save the day.

While in New York he meets up with a street smart ally cat named Mittens and later on a hyperactive hamster named Rhino. At this point, Bolt becomes a road film. Consequently, the trio encounters many adventures. This, on paper, seems rather mundane but Bolt is anything but.

There are some earth-shattering issues addressed in this film. What is reality; what is make-believe? What is love; what is loyalty? Do actors have souls, real emotions, and pets that love them?

Bolt may not answer any of these questions, but it is well crafted; it is entertaining; it is delightful. And it is available in 3D to boot. I laughed; I cried; I almost dropped my popcorn with all the very cool 3D gyrations. Perhaps I exaggerate. Shocking coming from me, I know.

“Bolt” is not “Finding Nemo.” It isn’t that great, but it is great fun. It is funny and it is sweet. John Tavolta does a really cool job of taking his role seriously. His Bolt has dignity; he is not just some cute-as-button puppy dog. Mittens (the cat) has a scene that actually shows some pathos but the real scene-stealer is Rhino. His giggly lunacy is downright spirit-lifting … a cinematic dose of Prozac.

There is also this real fun plot feature utilizing a fictional waffle restaurant chain. The cartoon art of this little side treat is sort of retro and campy at the same time. After seeing that, I had a hankering for a post-movie trip to the Waffle House, a real restaurant — in case an executive out there wishes to express his or her appreciation for my plug with a free waffle or hash browns scattered, smothered and chunked. Well, enough about that…I am beginning to “read” rather pathetic.

Bolt is worth hiring a kid to play your child, grandchild, or niece/nephew to be your escort. You won’t have to pay the kid very much; he or she will love the film, maybe even a tiny bit more than will you.

“Bolt” earns a super-charged four bow ties out of five.