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Bolt 3-D (AF)

8/10

Stars: Voices: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus,Susie Essman, Mark Walton, Malcolm McDowell, James Lipton, Greg Germann, Diedrich Bader, Dan Fogelman, Nick Swardson

Director: Chris Williams and Byron Howard

57 years ago the landmark 3-D movie ‘Bwana Devil’ offered moviegoers “A LION IN YOUR LAP!’.

Disney’s latest animated family film benefits considerably from excellent 3-D filming and, for adults, offers something even more predatory and dangerous than a mere lion – a rapaciously devious Hollywood agent smarmily voiced by Germann. Vocal casting here is one of the major assets of directors Williams and Howard’s cheerful offering, beginning with Travolta who is far better heard than seen speaking for the eponymous hero who is the star of a hit TV series in which he triumphs over evil time after time by using his impressive paranormal powers. Lipton in particular who is best known as the host of the TV interview show 'In the Actors Studio' is knowingly funny as the director

But the mega-mutt learns the hard way that his amazing powers unfortunately do not extend into real life when he accidentally ends up in New York and has to try and make his way back to Tinsel Town with the help of cynical city cat Mittens and TV-obsessed hamster Rhino whose antics – and voicing by Walton – are the comedy high spots of an enjoyable cartoon comedy-adventure which has enough ingenious sarcasm to keep adults happy while keeping youngsters very happy. No masterpiece but well done and entertaining

Alan Frank

USA 2008. UK Distributor: Walt Disney. Colour.
96 minutes. Not widescreen. UK certificate: PG.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 0, Violence/Horror 0, Drugs 0, Swearing 0.

Review date: 23 Feb 2009