Not exactly a shocker, "Bolt" is a great family film

Rating: 7/10 (24 November 2008)

Things haven't exactly been great for Disney animation sans Pixar lately, so while it may be a surprise to you when I say that "Bolt" restores some faith to Disney's silver screen products, it shouldn't be a surprise that it was produced by John Lasseter, the man behind Pixar.
"Bolt" is not just some bizarre plot concoction like "Chicken Little" or "Meet the Robinsons" were. It's an adventure, action and friendship story that works like any good Disney film used to: with heart-warming and lovable characters as well as some silly ones. It appeals to boys with the action, girls with animals and a female human protagonist, and of course enough jokes to keep adults entertained (although this is its weakest area.)
Bolt, voiced by John Travolta in sadly his best role in recent memory, is the star of an action TV show, but he's been groomed to believe the world of his show is reality. When producers demand more from the show, the plot has Penny, Disney teen sensation Miley Cyrus (a smart call on Disney's part), Bolt's co-star and owner, kidnapped. Only Bolt believes it's real and escapes into the real world to find her. To make things tough, Bolt gets shipped to New York, across the country. He befriends some critters of course, a cat and a hamster, while learning tough real world lessons on the way.
The concept alone is smart when you think about it. Smart at least in the bankable sense. Superhero action movie, combined with animals, combined with an adventure that seeks to reunite two separated friends. It's like rolling "The Incredibles," "Toy Story" and "Homeward Bound" all together. Genius. The script is really quite genuine and touching, though not as humorous. It's much more geared for families and that's nice to see for once. No serious under-the-radar adult jokes. Perhaps the best line of the movie is one that directly references Pixar's "Finding Nemo."
Disney plays it safe with "Bolt." If Pixar does all the riskier, more unique films, perhaps Disney animation can get away with good old formula stuff. That's definitely okay, especially if they have as much heart as "Bolt" does.