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Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 105 Ratings

  • Starring: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman
  • Summary: More than just man’s best friend, Bolt is a modern day action hero. Raised on the set of a hit television show, Bolt believes he has amazing powers – like a devastating Superbark! But when he’s accidentally shipped to New York City, Bolt’s daredevil stunts no longer go according to plan. As lan. As reality begins to challenge his delusions, Bolt learns his whole life has been a lie. Or has it? Amidst the adversity and hard-knocks, Bolt will discover that a dog’s true superpower lies in his loyalty to the owner he loves. (Walt Disney Pictures) Expand
  • Director: Byron Howard
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Animation, Family
  • Rating: PG
  • Runtime: 96 min
  • More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 29
  2. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. Reviewed by: Robert Koehler
    100
    There's something both simple and sweet about Bolt, yet epic, that's entirely surprising.
  2. As Bolt, John Travolta is inspired: His voice still cracks like an adolescent’s, and he has the perfect dopey innocence.
  3. Though every frame is great to look at, Bolt's script - by the co-writers of "Mulan" and "Cars" - lacks the wit of its closest Pixar relative, "The Incredibles." Rhino and some goofy pigeons provide the few laughs once the tale goes cross-country.
  4. It's a seriously withholding action comedy, stingy on the wit, charm, jokes, narrative satisfactions and animals with personalities sharp enough for the big screen, either in 2-D or 3-D.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 39
  2. Negative: 3 out of 39
  1. This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Though sadly overshadowed by the overrated dynamic duo of Wall-e and Kung Fu Panda, this warm, familiar animated movie with stunning visuals and beautiful, hand-painted backgrounds doesn't only mark a successful return for Disney on the animated area, but manages to introduce characters and themes that are in many ways more deep and complex than that of the widely glorified Pixar flicks. Take Bolt for example, the loveable and stunningly adorable main character who, in less than 90 minutes, shows a wide spectrum of emotions and behavior, ranging from self-realization, denial and identity crisis. Aside from this amazing character development, he also embodies the loyal and trusting nature of a dog. The only problem with this movie is that this main character, with a story with so much potential for depth, was pushed to the background to make room for the annoying comic relief hamster and the funny-talking pigeons, making a movie that could have been absolutely splendid merely a great one. Still though, the scenes in which the furry main character, Bolt himself, is allowed to shine are the by far most touching. Particularly the puppy scene in the beginning and his unselfish bravery in the end, thus making this movie a most see for any self-acclaimed dog lover and anyone who wants to see a good animated film. And the way this character shows a contrast by his aggressive, delusional super-hero persona, and his sweet-natured, natural and loveable doggy-side, which is mostly seen when he is together with his owner Penny - the little girl to whom he directs all his considerable love and devotion - should make him an inspiring figure for children and adults alike. Expand
  2. 8
    While it isn't as good as most Pixar movies, it isn't bad either. I found the story great, the characters charming, visuals where sometimes a bit over the top but still good, voice acting also pretty decent . What I love is that this movie is basically a lost dog trying to get home story. The bond between Bolt and Penny is really strong and delivered by some powerful performances by Travolta & Miley (yeah, I know, who knew?!) I have to say this is the first cartoon that has made me cry since I was a kid. If you've seen the movie, then I'm sure you know which scene I'm talking about. Overall: A really fun, emotional kids movie that isn't the best one out there, but it does a pretty decent job trying. Expand
  3. Bolt has used a storyline that has been used countless times which is a huge critical factor. Critics favor originality but sadly this isn't, but thanks to its touching moments, fantastic animation and great voice performances it is good enough for me. I give this movie 71%. Expand
  4. Bolt has some great moments and characters but its so incredibly uneven. The premise is something only Disney can get away with and to an extent they don't. The story follows Bolt, a dog who works on a television show with his owner and thinks he has superpowers because the producers maintain the illusion. When he is accidentally shipped to New York, he has to find his way home as he deals with the fact his powers are gone. It's a stupid premise and it never really works. It has some cute moments and the character of Rhino is a great one but it never gets off the ground thanks to the premise. When Bolt reaches New York the film treads water for 20 minutes and it becomes a poor version of Homeward Bound for the latter. John Travolta has fun as Bolt but Miley Cyrus is irritating as Bolt's owner Penny. The ending is the best part of the film but it still seems incredibly forced and insincere. It's just a film that suffers from a poor premise and never really recovers. Expand

See all 39 User Reviews

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