On the Big Board |
| Position |
Staff |
In Brief |
| 5/43 |
Kim Hollis |
I'm surprised to realize on reflection that I liked this even more than Kung Fu Panda. This movie is special. |
| 7/98 |
David Mumpower |
A scene toward the end of Bolt made me cry. That doesn't happen often for me at a movie. |
| 42/196 |
Max Braden |
Like Madagascar 2, this is a good movie because of the story but with few funny outbursts. Good action sequences and excellent visuals. |
For those of you unfamiliar with the name Chris Sanders, all I can say to you is Meega, nala kwishta! If you're not clear, that's not a compliment.
Sanders is best known as the creator of Lilo & Stitch, the absolutely delightful Disney animated film that put an adorable little alien smack-dab in the middle of Hawaii. His best friend, a little girl named Lilo, is a misunderstood child who matches up perfectly with Stitch, a creature made for destruction by a mad scientist named Jumba. In the end, the two friends teach the viewer the meaning of family, as not only Stitch but also aliens such as Jumba and Pleakley are accepted by Lilo and her sister Nani into their home. It made $146 million domestically and spawned a television franchise that airs repeatedly on the Disney Channel.
Sanders' newest creation looks to be equally charming and adorable. He has conceived the idea for Bolt, once known as American Dog (though he would eventually be removed from the project as director). Bolt will be a non-Pixar, CGI-animated film from Disney, and early trailers have kids (and adults) buzzing with glee. Part of this is because the story looks quite clever in a Galaxy Quest/Incredible Journey sort of way. When we meet Bolt, he seems to be a superdog. He has amazing powers that aid him in assisting his companion, Penny, as she gets into trouble.
The only trouble is, Bolt - and Penny - are actors in a television show. Bolt, however, does not understand this. One day, the show shuts down production when Penny is still in peril, and Bolt escapes from his crate in order to save her. To that end, he finds a cat (because he believes them to be minions of the villain) to feed him information. Most importantly, though, he encounters a hamster named Rhino. That hamster has a ball. He is also a huge fan of Bolt. He wants nothing more than to be involved in the saving of Penny. Like the penguins in Madagascar, he is making people talk, because he is hilarious. We're hoping that the entire movie is good rather than simply the Rhino bits, but either way, he's an instant celebrity.
There are probably other things that you should know about the film. It will be shown in digital 3-D, which makes for some extra fun and also some extra bucks when it comes to ticket sales. John Travolta voices Bolt, while mega superstar Miley Cyrus is Penny. Those names might have been enough to draw some people in to see Bolt, but let's be serious. It's all about the hamster and his jubilation for his chosen lifestyle. Let it begin, indeed. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
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