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Bolt
Walt Disney Pictures


8.1

based on 28 reviews
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How did we calculate this?

based on 31 votes
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MPAA RATING: PG for some mild action and peril

Starring John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton, Diedrich Bader, Malcolm McDowell, and Nick Swardson

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, 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)

GENRE(S):	Animation \| Comedy \| Family/Kids \| Fantasy \| Suspense/Thriller
WRITTEN BY:	Dan Fogelman Chris Williams
DIRECTED BY:	Chris Williams Byron Howard
RELEASE DATE:	Theatrical: November 21, 2008
RUNNING TIME:	96 minutes, Color
ORIGIN:	USA

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Christian Science Monitor Robert Koehler

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

Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

Bolt breaks no great new stylistic ground -- and yet it's a sturdy beaut.

Charlotte Observer Lawrence Toppman

Bolt has the magical quality of great animation, the ability to touch us without the hint of preachiness or manipulation.

Baltimore Sun Chris Kaltenbach

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

The Onion (A.V. Club) Tasha Robinson

For the first time in years, it feels like Disney has done its namesake proud.

The New York Times A.O. Scott

What keeps Bolt fresh is an unaffected exuberance, a genuine sense of fun, that is expressed above all through obsessive attention to craft.

New York Magazine David Edelstein

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

Village Voice Ella Taylor

Bolt carries two tales for the price of one, both handled by Disney veterans and first-time directors Chris Williams and Byron Howard with wit, grace, and the dazzling craftsmanship we've come to expect from the studio that's hitched its wagon to Pixar.

Austin Chronicle Marc Savlov

This is a Disney film, so there's never any real question regarding Bolt and his friends' ultimate success or failure, but the writing team of Dan Fogelman (Cars) and co-director Williams (Mulan) have concocted one of the most witty and often hilarious Disney outings in years.

Philadelphia Inquirer Carrie Rickey

While this charmer about a canine James Bond does not pack the emotional punch of "WALL-E," it's frisky fun to see the white shepherd get a new leash on life.

TV Guide Perry Seibert

This winning mix of exciting action, heart-tugging sentiment, and gentle character comedy makes Bolt yet another solid addition to Disney's history of family-friendly fare.

San Francisco Chronicle Ruthe Stein

It's doubtful that audiences go to animated features to hear movie stars talk. They go because a film sounds like fun and something their kids and maybe they themselves might enjoy. Bolt is all that and more.

Boston Globe Wesley Morris

This stuff is clever, in the reflexively satirical, self-aware way that many animated films are. It's not until the dog is accidentally shipped off to New York City that the movie lets you in on an altogether more interesting idea: It doesn't want to be that cool.

Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan

At the end of the day, Bolt is a sweet Disney family film.

The Hollywood Reporter Michael Rechtshaffen

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

Variety Todd McCarthy

Bears some telltale signs of Pixar's trademark smarts, but still looks like a mutt compared to the younger company's customary purebreds.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer Andy Spletzer

As the voice of Bolt, John Travolta does a fine job and Disney star Miley Cyrus is fine as well, but neither one can overcome the lack of personality in their scripted characters.

Portland Oregonian M. E. Russell

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

USA Today Claudia Puig

Bolt borrows amiably from a host of sources, including "The Incredible Journey," "Lilo and Stitch" and "Toy Story 2."

Miami Herald Rene Rodriguez

Has that formulaic, cookie-cutter feel typical of many Disney toons. The premise is inspired, but the follow-through is merely adequate.

Washington Post Dan Kois

As sprightly and determined as its fuzzy, yappy lead, the new Disney animated film Bolt works hard to be all things to all people, with mixed results.

New York Daily News 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.

Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern

Taken on its own terms, Bolt the movie certainly makes the cut.

Salon.com Stephanie Zacharek

Bolt is just too knowing; it keeps reminding us, loud and clear, of how culturally savvy it is.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Liam Lacey

Both original and good; the problem is the original parts aren't good and the good parts aren't original.

Chicago Reader J.R. Jones

Adults won't find much to enjoy here, though the dog's high-octane action series serves as a perverse parody of Jerry Bruckheimer-style summer blockbusters.

New York Post Lou Lumenick

Sporadically entertaining, occasionally quite funny.

Chicago Tribune 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.

The average user rating for this movie is 8.1 (out of 10) based on 31 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Caleb H. gave it an8:
I think Chad S. is overthinking it a bit. It's a great movie with genuine laughs and a very touching story. There are two messages this movie presents: The ones you love can never be replaced, and two, love is not always true. A fantastic movie everyone should enjoy.

Tony B. gave it a7:
What a nice movie this is. All those involved in planning and making it do themselves proud. It's funny, sad, clever, and surprisingly moving. I liked it as much as "The Truman Show."

Alex D. gave it a10:
I love Bolt the movie. I like it a lot because its funny. Alex, age 5.

Titanium Dragon gave it an8:
I'm 23 years old, but I suppose I expect a lot from Disney. But I should be able to; I think the real test of a Disney movie is not whether it can entertain children but whether it can entertain the whole family. If I feel stupid while watching a Disney movie, that move fails as a Disney movie, as while directed at children, they're supposed to be family films. This move succeeds. Its very well done, and Bolt and Mittens (John Travolta and some actress?) do a great job, as does the actress who voice acts the girl, Penny. Rhino the Hampster was not the best cast member; I suppose they needed comedic relief, but he was fairly extraneous to the plot beyond letting Mittens understand what was going on and why Bolt was acting so crazy. Overall, the movie was quite enjoyable, and is the best Disney film since Mulan. While not of their early 90s level, its still quite a solid movie, and I shall get it on DVD as I enjoyed watching it. Some scenes of it even made me feel sad, which means the folks at Disney did their job well. If you're going to the theatres this winter, this is a much better choice than movies like Quantum of Solace or Twilight.

Clayton D. gave it a9:
Well done movie, kind of sluggish in spots, but has a great message for tweens, may be too intense for little people.... Travolta was great as the Bolt's voice and Mylie was great as well as Penny.... Some of the funniest dialog I have heard from animals in a flick.

Jason M. gave it an8:
it was similar to oliver and company with out being a blunt copy , when i walked in i thought it was gonna be borring and a well copy of Oliver and company , a movie which i love as a kid,still like it today but it was funny,and cute with out using horrible poop jokes,or being just too cute and mushy the jokes were clever miley cirus was good for the roll and john Travolta was a good dog i could see this being made into a video game unless it already is , it could be good for a short game but that beyond the point , if you are 4-18 your going to enjoy this, if your an adult it just depends on you but HEY im 17 almost 18 and i liked it q lot 8/10

Jim W. gave it a9:
Some of the plot may feel familiar but it's still one of the best family movies made by Disney in a long time. This movie features an entertaining story, likable characters, and some good laughs. A must see for any age.

Bolt Walt Disney Pictures

Bolt
Walt Disney Pictures