Bolt

Name: Bolt
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Animation, Family
Released: November 21, 2008
Duration: 96 min
Rating: 67
Cast: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman

2008

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 29 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 392 Ratings

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8.3

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8.3	User Score Universal acclaim based on 392 Ratings

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Bolt

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Movie Details & Credits

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Release Date: November 21, 2008 | PG

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 reality begins to challenge his delusions, BoltMore 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 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 and Chris Williams

Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Animation, Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 96 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Robert Koehler

There's something both simple and sweet about Bolt, yet epic, that's entirely surprising. Read full review

Chris Kaltenbach

Bolt proves a refreshing throwback to the animated classics of yore. Read full review

David Edelstein

As Bolt, John Travolta is inspired: His voice still cracks like an adolescent’s, and he has the perfect dopey innocence. Read full review

Michael Rechtshaffen

There's a terrific tenderness in Travolta's performance, while Cyrus and company are similarly effective. Read full review

M. E. Russell

Travolta does a nice job, but Bolt is of course the most boring, blandly cute character in the movie. Read full review

Joe Neumaier

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. Read full review

Michael Phillips

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. Read full review

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User Reviews

carlminez

Jun 2, 2011

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

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

TaylorC.

Dec 15, 2008

Truly, truly a heart-touching movie. It is truly phenomenal, with a great, original story of the love between a girl and her dog and the friendship of three animals. The script is great, the voice actors are great, and the hamster is one of the funniest characters I've ever seen. There Truly, truly a heart-touching movie. It is truly phenomenal, with a great, original story of the love between a girl and her dog and the friendship of three animals. The script is great, the voice actors are great, and the hamster is one of the funniest characters I've ever seen. There are plenty of laughs all throughout and even some moments that can bring you to tears. This movie is a masterpiece.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Some1n

Jun 19, 2011

Bolt is a well made animated film, which was unfortunately destined to play behind the hype of Wall-E and Kung Fu Panda. It's funny for all, with a fat hamster named Rhino who is obsessed with Bolt stealing the show alongside 3 sets of three pigeons who appear throughout the show. Some ofBolt is a well made animated film, which was unfortunately destined to play behind the hype of Wall-E and Kung Fu Panda. It's funny for all, with a fat hamster named Rhino who is obsessed with Bolt stealing the show alongside 3 sets of three pigeons who appear throughout the show. Some of the story is very predictable, particularly the relationship between Bolt and Mittens, but it's still very enjoyable and funny.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

HyperS

Feb 11, 2009

I'll keep it simple. Good Disney movie for all ages. Well animated film and a nice likable cast of characters.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Hurricane16

Feb 28, 2018

Bolt is another fun (albeit forgettable) Disney movie that is great for children, and won’t bore parents to death

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

moviegrabbag

Jun 12, 2011

This is a well done kids movie. John Travolta is very well cast as Bolt the wonder dog. Complete with a hilarious hamster named rhino this movie is very entertaining. The only week points are in the beginning Bolt is shipped in a box from LA to New York with no real issues. Who would haveThis is a well done kids movie. John Travolta is very well cast as Bolt the wonder dog. Complete with a hilarious hamster named rhino this movie is very entertaining. The only week points are in the beginning Bolt is shipped in a box from LA to New York with no real issues. Who would have thought you could mail a dog in a box of packing peanuts. The other problem is Miley Cyrus. She is very poorly cast in the part of Penny, Bolt's owner. Her voice does not match the age of the character and she is not a very good voice actress. Outside of these two issues the movie is absolutely great with a good story and good execution. A great movie for adults and kids.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Bitash

Oct 22, 2016

Just fantastic, it's well done, super funny moments that made me laugh out loud . It totally made me happy to watch it, everyone in the family loved it. So well written, a feel good movie with a great message for all ages.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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65	#65 Most Discussed Movie of 2008
39	#39 Most Shared Movie of 2008