OK for kids 5+
Super-dog adventure is fun, age-appropriate for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that kids are definitely going to want to see this animated adventure starring Miley Cyrus (well, her voice, anyway), even though it has nothing to do with Hannah Montana. There are some scenes of peril (explosions, hostage situations, evil cats) in the TV-show-within-a-movie, but after the first few action-packed minutes of the movie, it's made clear to the audience that it's all manufactured. There's also a tense, potentially scary fire during the movie's climax. But most of the movie's content is age-appropriate for its intended audience.
- Families can talk about what made kids want to see this movie -- was it the story or all of the advertising/marketing?
- Do you prefer animated movies where the voices are done by celebrities? Why or why not? How is Miley Cyrus uniquely qualified to star in a movie about a celebrity who should be allowed to act normal?
- What's the difference between reality and fiction? How was Bolt stuck in a fictional life? What does Penny think Bolt is missing by thinking he's actually a super dog? Why is Mittens skeptical about humans?
The good stuff
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Educational value: The movie is intended to entertain, not educate. But kids may learn a bit about how Hollywood works.
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Messages: The movie has a sweetly positive messages about loyalty, determination, and teamwork. Characters who resist others' affection eventually learn to embrace it, and Bolt discovers that being loved is much more important than having super powers.
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Role models: Penny and Mittens are strong female characters, and Rhino is a courageous sidekick. Bolt is at first melancholy about not being a real super dog, but he overcomes his initial blues to find his true courage.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: The peril is mostly in the TV show within the movie. After an early sequence (which could be intense for younger or more sensitive kids) it's made clear that the violence is manufactured, since the audience (unlike Bolt) sees the crew setting off explosions, catching stuntmen, etc. In the "real" world, there are cartoonish pratfalls and slapsticky violence, but nothing too disturbing -- until a tense, scary fire during the movie's climax that puts a central character in danger.
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Sexy stuff: Not an issue
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Language: A couple of mild insults (like "stupid") among the animals.
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Consumerism: Featured brands include The New Yorker, Tiger Beat, U-Haul, The Tonight Show (but not with a recognizable host), and several Las Vegas hotels, like the Bellagio; New York, New York; Bally's; and Caesar's Palace.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Bolt by conradwsba1
This was a pretty exciting movie. I enjoyed it. The coolest part was when they were trapped in a fire.
4
surprised at how entertaining it was by sugargookie
to be honest, i only went to see the movie because the hamster looked insanely hilarious. i definitely wasn't expecting to be pulled into the story and fall in love with all of the characters. i've grown up on disney movies and had begun losing faith in their non-pixar titles. since i am 23 years old now, i chalked it up to their movies being targeted at the younger audience (i.e. beverly hills chihuahua). however, i felt that disney has redeemed themselves by creating a movie that had a deep enough story to keep me engaged, and lots of funny moments and nuances that were aimed at an older audience. not to mention the great animation (the very beginning of the opening scene looks like real footage). i would definitely recommend this to anyone & everyone who is looking for a good laugh & a heartwarming story about an adorable puppy.
5
Bolt by Trillium
Delightful! There is enough action to engage the kids and intelligent humor for the adults. I especially liked the message the character Mittens gave about abandoned pets, well done! The animation was brilliant and I loved all the little details like bits of fluff wafting off one scruffy pigeon.
4
GOOD KIDS MOVIE by The Real Truth
Went with my little girl and enjoyed the movie. I did break down and pay the extra $3 for the 3d glasses. What a waste!!!!! There was not 1 3d thing in the entire picture!! Plenty of things blowing up and plenty of things that could have been done. So go see the movie, but please dont pay the extra for the 3d. My rating is a 6 out of 10.
4
Bolt by carrie-movie-rater
Very cute, very funny! Our entire family enjoyed this movie. My husband laughed several times. Our teenage daughter said, "thanks for insisting I come, that was a really good movie. The five and two year old never moved from their seats! Their eyes were glued to the screen!
Great afternoon movie!!
5
totally cute by amandavbstar1
We were probalby the only mid 20's people there......but we thought it was hilarious and the hamster totally made the movie. :)
5
BOLT by actondebbie55
Our kids are grown and gone but we still enjoy the animated movies once and awhile. This was well worth the time and money spent!! You will not be disappointed.
5
Disney is back in the Family Movie business by f117
Tired of watching Disney movies that see how close they can get to being perverse without getting caught? Check out this fantastic 3D adventure. It will leave you in awe of the 3D effects and the sound effects were amazing. At one point I was thought I might shake out of my seat, but it wasn't loud, just intense. I have seen other 3D movies and thought, "Tat was neat.", but this technology took it to a visual "surround" level that was breathtaking.
The story-line was cute, but not syrupy. The characters were believable and with the 3D you felt like you could actually reach out and smack the talent agent.
A definite MUST SEE for children of ALL ages and parents alike.
5
Bolt~ Touching and Funny by p_e_a_c_e
I'm 17 and I laughed more at this movie than my 7 year old cousin. It was adorable and touching, funny and smart. I absolutely recommend this movie for anyone of any age. I cried during several scenes, especially the end.
5
This is what kid movies should be by kgb
Usually I am pretty tough on the kid movies, because I rate them by the same standard I rate adult movies.
Although this movie has a child-worthy story line, it was told well. It has the typical two dimensional character development typically seen in children movies, HOWEVER the comedy and pure enjoyment factor overcomes that deficiency.
I wholeheartedly recommend this movie. Even my 70 year old parents who saw it with my 7 year old loved it.
3D was good too. I recommend 3D whenever possible for these animated movies.