Bolt

My Angle: Always love animated movies - hoped to send my kids with a friend.

Kid Friendly: Surprisingly - NO - plot seems to be written for adults, or at the very least, for young teens.

Spiritual Issues: Tough one here - not so much spiritual issues as some thoughts on character; courage, life choices, calling are all touched upon.


Warning spoiler review:

This movie is about a dog and a girl who are part of a TV show. The dog believes the show is reality (ala The Truman Show). Meanwhile the little girl knows that it is not. During the first twenty minutes of the movie the viewer is immersed in the show, which is so action packed and intense that it reminded me of the movie True Lies. I can't believe a 3-8 year old that will understand this action scene and so they will be confused for the rest of the show.

I can just hear my youngest, "Daddy why did the little girl leave the doggy? Why did the doggy blow up the helicopters? Why is that bad man hurting the little girl's daddy?"

So after the 20 minutes of total destruction we find that the poor dog is locked up in a trailer at night and the cats (who play the bad guy's pets in the show) torment the dog.

Cut to the chase the dog escapes the stage to try and save the girl, only to land in the real world where he does not possess super powers, and has to learn how to be a real dog - from a cat!

When did the makers of children's movies stop trying to write movies for the kids? This movie is clearly written for adults, who are grappling with their sense of calling in life. How many kids are grappling with ennui?

Even the highlights in the movie are over the top. One of the most laughable moments is provided by the hamster when he says of the gaurd in their way, "I'll go and break his neck."

Just what I want my 3-8 year old playing at home!

Bottom line - wait for it to come out on video - watch it at home when the kids are asleep! Your kids will not thank you but will have fewer nightmares about abandonment.