Saturday, November 22, 2008

Blue Sky Disney Review: Bolt




Sorry about the lateness of the review, I've been running around and living in the real world.

When it comes to "Bolt", many of you know it's taken a long winding road to the screen. There have been fans that have had their aspirations and hearts broken along the way. When I saw the film last week I had high hopes for it. I will admit that Chris Sanders designs were more appealing, but everything I've heard about this project told me that that was the only thing appealing about his version. As I said, I've trusted John Lasseter because up till now he's not let me down. And he really seems to know how to keep the audience interested.

He still does.

Bolt is a road picture, but it starts off in another world to establish this. I won't go into the details of the story because if you've seen the trailer then you know the premise. But you haven't seen the heart. This story has the warmth and attention that has been missing from Disney animation for a decade now. It's kind of ironic that the last Disney animated film to have this much heart was also the product of Sanders. Yes, "Lilo and Stitch" was the last animated film I thought was totally worthy of the Disney moniker. Not there haven't been attempts made, but all of them have faltered in one way or another. This is the first one in a long time to remind me why I like Disney and why their animation stirs my emotions.

I'm not a big fan of John Travolta, I don't have any hate for him like some of you, but other than "Pulp Fiction" and "Saturday Night Fever," I've just never took much of an interest in his work. I know he sounds familiar in the role, but very quickly I forgot it was him. The character seemed real to me, but the secondary characters were even more so. This is trademark at Pixar that Lasseter has wisely brought over to WDAS. The character of Rhino and surprisingly Mittens truly shine in this film. Unlike films I wanted to love like "Atlantis," these characters actually engage me and don't seem to be thrown in because someone said: "We need a cute little girl that's tough." Of all the voices, the one that kept bringing me out of the film a bit, was Miley Cyrus. She does a good job, but her recognizable voice would bring images of the Disney Channel from time to time. Don't worry, she's not in it that much. This is a road picture, remember?

I felt that the back stories and the depth of emotional involvement in the film were a great welcome from what I've had to endure(Chicken Little, Home on the Range, ect.) for most of the last decade. This is a story that kids and adults can enjoy just as much as a couple out for a date movie. It's not a film that talks down to you. It doesn't try to be hip like certain films from a former Disney Animation Head. It just tells you a compelling story that is worth watching, worth spending money on and most of all, worthy of being called Disney.

Chris Williams and Byron Howard have a great future at the Hat Building. They're clearly very talented storytellers and knowing that half of that team is working on getting "Rapunzel" fixed and ready for 2010 is a comforting feeling. I've not heard what Williams is doing next but excitedly look forward to whatever he's working on.

Look, some of you are dead set against going to see this simply because of your feelings about Chris Sanders. Others may not feel that it's very interesting from the trailers. But all I can do is offer my opinion on the matter. If you choose not to go see it, you're missing out on something special. You're missing out on the rebirth of Disney animation being relevant again. You're missing out on the first animated film from the Mouse that hasn't made you feel like you were being taken for a patsy for just going to see something because it had the name Disney on it. Lastly, you're missing out on a great time at the movies. When I see movies, it's rare that the audience claps and cheers at the end. That usually happens only at Pixar films. Both times I've seen it they cheered. Both times the audience sat in their seats to watch the credits. The show last night had many children there with their parents watching a bunch of boring credits scroll by. Giggling and smiling. I watched one mother walk her child out as he asked if he could see it again...

She nodded her head and said; "Tomorrow." I smiled realizing that Disney had hit the bulls eye if this is the kind of response they'd be getting from both adults and kids. A movie good enough for a parent to take here kid to see again in these difficult time. It shows that good stories are worthy of seeing again. And again. I only hope that you give the film a chance and see it once.

It's been a long time since a Disney animated film made me remember why I love the Mouse. Go see what I saw this past week. Twice, actually and more to come... Go see why you loved Walt Disney in the first place...

63 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for those words Honor;

I've seen the film (more than once) and I really love it.

It has some great comedy but perhaps more importantly, the film also has a lot of heart.

I loved the characters and there are some emotional scenes in this film that I just adore.

This is a very well done film. I truly mean that. The audeiences that I saw the film with loved the movie.

People should really go to see this movie.
I myself am going to go see it again very soon.

Debbie said...

I'm looking forward to seeing Bolt. My husband and I were Disney-holics long before we had kids, but we've never gotten sucked into seeing bad movies just because Disney's name was on them. So we never experienced 'Home on the Range' or 'Chicken Little.'

That said, we both thought Lilo and Stitch was the worst Disney movie ever made. Even Atlantis and Emporer's New Groove (two other Disney movies that we bought on DVD as Christmas presents and watched only once or twice because they were so bad) were better than L&S.

We're still going to take the kids to see Bolt next weekend, but I hope it is WAY better than Lilo and Stitch.

corruption said...

With full respect for what Debbie said above, Lilo and Stitch is a much better film than Bolt. Also, I think that even with its ridiculous Tom Selleck reference (which was truly the only "modern" reference), Meet the Robinsons was better than Bolt (at least in my opinion).

And, I have no real interest in seeing Chris Sanders's next movies because Dreamworks cannot make a movie that interests me, so I'm not hating on the lack of love for him.

That said, Monsters vs. Aliens looks freaking hilarious, though I'm sure that it's going to suffer from the same Dreamworks follies that they all have.

And Honor, just to give some real perspective to my animation tastes, here's my "for the moment" top ten:

1. The Iron Giant
2. WALL-E
3. The Incredibles
4. My Neighbor Totoro
5. The Little Mermaid
6. Cinderella
7. Lilo and Stitch
8. NausicaƤ of the Valley of the Wind
9. Lady and the Tramp
10. Whisper of the Heart

Yes, I left off Snow White (which is amazing, but not in my top ten), Pinocchio -- the most technically competent animated film every made, Sleeping Beauty -- beautifully stylized, but falls flat, and The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast -- both great, but overrated and suffer from being too much a product of their time. I also give Don Bluth's early work an "A" for effort -- especially "The Secreth of NIMH," but even that has major flaws, sadly.

I know that I even left out Toy Story, many live-action mixes, and more, but this is really my definitive great animated movies list.

Perhaps -- as I said -- this will give a little more insight into what I expect from a film -- insight into the human condition, transport to a fantastical world (even if it's just our own), humor with actual purpose and meaning relevant to the plot, and something noble about the change in a lead character. You know, something engaging for the whole family -- a Disney film.

Also, I'm studio agnostic, though I really do hope that Disney does someday recapture it's crown.

(And this goes for the theme parks, as well).

corruption said...

PS -- sorry to hijack your blog the past two days with long-winded rants. If you notice, I've been flying under the radar lately ;)

Spokker said...

Hey Corruption, where do you put Spirited Away? Also, have you ever seen Only Yesterday? It doesn't have a US release but it's among my favorite movies ever, animated or not, and that was with some awful English subs on a Chinese DVD.

Also, see Grave of the Fireflies if you haven't, but prepared to be depressed for the rest of the day.

Fireflies, along with Totoro, happens to be on Roger Ebert's list of his Great Movies.

corruption said...

Hey Spokker,

Spirited Away is pretty good, but a little too esoteric for me. I actually preferred Howl's Moving Castle. It's just a matter of taste, though, and I need to watch Spirited Away again, as my film tastes have matured since I first saw it upon its US release.

As for Grave of the Fireflies, it was a striking, beautiful, and amazing film. I just don't think I could ever sit through it again. Every film on the list begs for repeat viewings for me. I wanted to slit my wrists after GotF. So freaking good, but so freaking sad.

I'm assuming this is the film you're speaking of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_Yesterday_(film)

I've never seen it, but I'd love to -- mainly because I love Isao Takahata's films: NausicaƤ of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky, Kiki's Delivery Service, and My Neighbors the Yamadas. Pom Poko is really funny, but also a bit too weird. Tanuki -- EEK! The only Tanuki I like is Mario in Super Mario Bros. 3 ;)

I also really want to see Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland. Hopefully someday. Do you have any suggestions for this or Only Yesterday? It would be much appreciated.

Spokker said...

Like I said I bought some Chinese DVD of Only Yesterday from a shady anime shop (and I hate anime). I had to wade through aisles of crappy manga and figurines with huge breasts just to get to it. I'm not even sure if it's a bootleg or not.

I last saw it on Turner Classic Movies when they did a Studio Ghibli marathon.

Since Only Yesterday doesn't have a US release, I don't think there should be any problem with downloading it. If you want to know where, email it.

If and when it does get a release I'll buy it. Only Yesterday was at one point the most requested movie to get a DVD release on the Turner Classic Movies web site.

corruption said...

I'll try and look around. I also have a friend in Japan. It might be best to have her buy it, ship it here, and look for a better than Chinese "Engrish" translation! ;)

Spokker said...

It had good subtitles when it aired on Turner Classic Movies. What I wouldn't give to own that on DVD. Anything more than $19.95 as a matter of fact.

Honor Hunter said...

You guys are hogging all the comments.

Nice list, Corruption. I really don't agree with you that "Meet the Robinsons" is a better movie than "Bolt" though... I had real problems with it, particularly the second act.

But nice to know we both love "The Iron Giant," which is one of my all time favorites. I only wish that Warner Bros. could get Brad Bird to direct a live-action Superman movie. He was created to do something like that...

Theme Park Fan said...

well Bolt Bombed this weekend so it should be interesting to see any fallout

Spokker said...

Woah, it got killed by that stupid vampire movie. I would see Bolt over that, lol.

Not going to the movies anyway. Waste of money in this economy.

corruption said...

@Honor -- Brad Bird directing Superman would probably be the greatest film ever made.

@Spokker -- I did see it instead of the stupid vampire movie. Ugh. Stupid vampire movie.

Anonymous said...

When the kids get out this week for Thanksgiving you'll probably see Bolt pick up quite a bit of business. I don't see Twilight having a lot of staying power after the girls have seen it.

corruption said...

@Bolomun Sundy

I think you underestimate how many times these teenage girls will go see Twilight. Titanic -- seen by every teenage girl in America 5x = $600,000,000 US, $1+ Billion Worldwide...

Anonymous said...

It's not Titanic.

corruption said...

No, it's not Titanic, but teenage girls are still ridiculous about it.

Do I think it's going to make $1 billion? $500 million, $250 million? No. But it's going to beat Bolt the next couple of weeks.

Which is unfortunate, because even though I'm not a huge fan of Bolt, I can't imagine Twilight being the better film. Unless, of course, you are a teenage girl

Spokker said...

I watched Titanic three times in the theater when I was a teenager. Does that make me gay?

Anonymous said...

Yes. Apart from "Propellar Guy" there is nothing left for a boy to enjoy in Titanic.

Spokker said...

"Apart from "Propellar Guy" there is nothing left for a boy to enjoy in Titanic."

I'm a heterosexual male who loves big honking breasts like no other but Titanic was a great sappy movie that made me cry at the end, haha.

It was like an event. Everybody was seeing it multiple times so there was no way to see it just once, at least for me.

The transportation nerd in me loved the depiction of the steamship and the romantic in me liked the sappy plot. It seems that people liked it at the time but in hindsight are trashing it today. I don't know, I'm not going to lie, I loved that movie.

corruption said...

@Spokker

No, it doesn't make you any less of a man ;)

I actually was taken in by the spectacle the first time I saw it -- especially considering that everyone thought it would be "Cameron's Folly." I saw it with one of my best friends (a guy) and we were mesmerized.

However, upon second viewing (with women in tow), I was traumatized.

Combine wailing women, the contrived, fictional romance set within a real-life tragedy, and James Cameron's "I'm the King of the World" speech at the Academy Awards, and you've got a recipe for a film falling out of my favor.

I guess a similar example would be Disney's Pearl Harbor. It had a contrived romantic plot and it didn't play well, considering that it was unashamedly going after Titanic's audience. Also, "Tora! Tora! Tora!" is a much better Pearl Harbor story. I only wish the Titanic disaster had the same treatment given to it...

Anonymous said...

Spokker, your manlove for Titanic helps me understand your incredibly bad taste in films and your unwillingness to go see Bolt.

I no longer try and fathom why you irritate people here on Honor's website.

Spokker said...

"Spokker, your manlove for Titanic helps me understand your incredibly bad taste in films and your unwillingness to go see Bolt."

Almost 2 billion grossed worldwide, baby! Where is Bolt? Number 3 opening weekend. Booyah.

Spokker said...

It got beat by teenage vampires. The Lasseter era has begun, indeed!

Anonymous said...

Vampires be damned.

We saw Bolt today in a full cinema, and thoroughly enjoyed it, nice work WDAS!

Anonymous said...

Posting comments merely to receive negative feedback. Pure troll behavior from Spokker as always.

t said...

Saw Bolt.

While not perfect, Walt Disney Animation Studios is DEFINITELY on its way back to form.
This was the step in the right direction. It can only get better from here. Princess and Rapunzel are going to be big...I can feel it.

As for Bolt...strong characters, beautiful painterly art direction, a nice score...and most importantly, a solid story with heart, sincerity, and genuine laughter.
One of the strongest offerings from Feature Animation within the last decade...for sure.

It does feel like the Great Mouse Detective/Oliver & Company to what will be Princess's Mermaid. ;)


It is a damn shame that Twilight and Bond are going to beat it this weekend. Truly.

t said...

"I watched Titanic three times in the theater when I was a teenager. Does that make me gay?"

Yes.


Always nice to see Honor's wonderful blog hijacked by Spokker and company.

corruption said...

Who is "and company?"

I'm not in league with Spokker.

We just agree sometimes.

corruption said...

@t

Btw, if it "can only get better," wouldn't that imply that Bolt is the worst movie Disney has ever made? ;)

Spokker said...

Corruption, Disney sycophants are not happy that their cartoon dog movie did not do well :(

Let's give them time to cope.

I think Chris Sanders could have pulled down the 27 million or so Bolt did. What a bunch of drama for nothing.

Anonymous said...

Did anyone see it in 3D?
I haven't seen Bolt, but I saw Meet the Robinsons in 3D and it was AMAZING! The 3D, not the movie. Although I like Meet the Robinsons alot more than most. It could be that I have 3 adopted kids though.

Spokker said...

Ahem.

"When "Bolt" comes out in a few weeks, we need to make it a hit. A box office hit and hopefully the number one movie that weekend. And then...

We need to keep on going back to see it. Over and over. So that the box office gross puts a smile on the CEO's face and green in his pocket."

SEE GENERIC CGI DOG MOVIE AND MAKE IGER RICH. THIS IS YOUR DESTINY.

Apparently, not many people agreed.

Spokker said...

Bolt looks like a safe movie. It looks enjoyable, good, and I don't think it's horrible. But all this talk about the "Lasseter era" and the revitalization of Disney animation is misplaced. It's hype.

t said...

"Bolt looks like a safe movie. It looks enjoyable, good, and I don't think it's horrible. But all this talk about the "Lasseter era" and the revitalization of Disney animation is misplaced. It's hype."

And that's where you are wrong. For someone who has supposedly not even seen the movie, I don't know how anyone here can truly take you seriously in the first place.

And as was said by many before, while not a perfect masterpiece (and not every film will be), it IS a solid film that shows that Disney is on its way back to making timeless, solid, classic films. Like anything in life, baby steps. It takes time and work for these things to happen. It IS a positive beginning to Lassiters reign - and if you are basing that solely on numbers alone, then my friend, are missing the bigger picture. Chicken Little did big numbers...and was quite frankly one of the worst, if not worst films, WD Feature Animation ever did.

Numbers do not equal quality.

And while it is a shame that the opening weekend numbers are not reflecting the true merit of this film, I am more concerned with the bigger picture - that Disney has the soul of it's company, Feature Animation, back in proper hands that believe in all the right things as well as creating a new environment so that artists and storytellers can make classic films for a new generation. While it may take another year to get there...we are off to a good start.

The first is usually the hardest...and most important.

t said...

"Corruption, Disney sycophants are not happy that their cartoon dog movie did not do well :("

And this is why you've been banned from other Disney boards...and you know it.

While many out there may not like what you say, and how you say it...we don't resort to name calling.

Honor, if this is what your blog is coming to...I suggest you turn on comment moderation.


"Btw, if it "can only get better," wouldn't that imply that Bolt is the worst movie Disney has ever made? ;)"

Nice try.
I don't think you're reading it correctly...by saying "it can only get better" it does not mean that I am implying Bolt is the worst film Disney has ever made. C'mon...are you kidding me?
They have made a good, solid first step...it can get better...and obviously it will.

Regardless of how good something, or someone, may be...things can always get better. There is always room for improvement.

Worst Disney feature animated film, for me - Chicken Little.

Spokker said...

"While many out there may not like what you say, and how you say it...we don't resort to name calling."

Yeah man, there's absolutely no name calling on Disney boards. There wouldn't be, since they do it behind people's backs. Oh man, the drama on these Disney forums. I've been a part of the meets and greets and all that nonsense. Good riddance. It's staggering how much drama there are on forums dedicated to a company that makes "dreams come true".

Spokker said...

"Chicken Little did big numbers...and was quite frankly one of the worst, if not worst films, WD Feature Animation ever did."

Now you're being negative.

What is the difference between me lightly criticizing Bolt and you calling Chicken Little the worst film Disney has ever released?

It might just be that, golly, people have different opinions. If you're in such a huff that I made fun of Bolt's opening numbers or Lasseter's "era", then you've got bigger problems than my stupid comments. It's the Internet, relax.

t said...

^And that's just it. You talk about people having different opinions - well, I definitely have different ones than you...And I have every right to say them too.
It's not about being in "a huff"...I just clearly disagree with the way you see things on this. You get to say what you want...so do I.

"What is the difference between me lightly criticizing Bolt and you calling Chicken Little the worst film Disney has ever released?"

Because I have actually seen all these films. Have you seen Bolt?

I never said things had to be positive all the time.
But it's all in how you say it.
That's not to say that I always think you're wrong. Shockingly, I have agreed with you...But not on Bolt.

As for me being negative, LOL. There's nothing negative about saying Chicken Little was not Disney's finest hour. It just wasn't...and most can recognize that.
That's not to say I didn't like it. It was ok. But once was enough.

Anonymous said...

I have said from the very beginning (since the Disney-Pixar merge) that Lasseter would not be able to save Meet The Robinsons and American Dog (Bolt) and that the first movie HE put into production would be the first real test if Lasseter has what it takes to bring disney back. That movie is "The Princess and the Frog" and to me that movie will determine if Disney is back on the right track.

Robinsons and Bolt were put into production by morons and Lasseter did what he could to salvage them including totally retooling Bolt (for the worse imo) but I alwyas knew they would both flop at the box office because this is not what audiances want. People want tradtional Disney hand drawn fairy tales and adventure stories not CGI pixar-lite junk.

Honor Hunter said...

First off, play nice guys...

Lighten up on the venom. Second, try and put all your thoughts into ONE post so you don't have multiple post on top of post, k?

Thirdly, "Bolt" was retooled because as I've said before it didn't have a story under Sanders. Sorry. Wishing doesn't make it so. And what hurt "Bolt" wasn't the fact it's bad or couldn't be saved. What hurt it was the placing of "Twilight" up against it. It'll have a chance to make up some ground during the holiday week as the kiddies are off and the parents go to the malls and shop this weekend. It wasn't like the film had bad reviews people stayed away because of that(Rotten Tomatoes reviews were at 86% yesterday). The Vampire romance got some of the worst reviews out there and young girls(76% of its audience) came out in droves.

I seemed to recall someone ranting on here, not naming names, that box office doesn't mean everything and a lot of great movies don't make a lot at the box office. I only partially believe this as most good movies, not all, but most good movies do get rewarded. From time to time there are gems that slip between the cracks though...

We'll wait and see.

corruption said...

@t

I was making a joke. I think what you meant to say was "It WILL only get better." "It CAN only get better" also infers that it can't get worse. I know what you meant, but I'm a syntax junkie.

@Honor

I'm enjoying this spirited discussion ;)

@Spokker

I think you're going to need to break down and watch this movie if you want to talk to anyone here.

Your best argument might simply be that you have no interest in seeing it and leave it at that.

Anonymous said...

"Bolt" is one of the flat-out BEST animated movies I've seen in years. I hate that it got blindsided by "Twilight". It deserves better. I'm going to see it again on Thanksgiving weekend and I'm taking a bunch of pals with me. I know they'll love it too, as would anybody with a mind and heart and soul.

Anonymous said...

Well if the positive vibes coming from the reactions to this movie are just disney-fan "hype" driven by excitement for the new Lasseter era, Spokker, then what explains the 84% of film critics giving it a positive review (according to rottentomatoes)? They can't all be Disney fans, buying into the hype, can they? (Keep in mind, that 84% is well above the 44% for Twilight, the 65% for Quantum of Solace, and even the 60% for Madagascar.)


***

For me, I liked it. I think it was sweet. I could somehow sense, though, that the film had been through so much development and changes in leadership that it felt like it wanted to be more, something a bit deeper than it actually turned out to be. I guess that's somehow both a compliment and a criticism. But all in all, I don't think the target audience is even going to flinch at it. It's funny, without trying desperately to make us laugh. It's lighthearted, with unexpected moments of character. And the animation is gorgeous. On the right track indeed.

Anonymous said...

Another thought on what might have lead the movie to essentially fail this weekend at the boxoffice- (sorry for posting on top of another post, Honor!)

Ironically enough, marketing. I say ironic because that may have been one of the main reasons why this story was kept rather than tossed when, as Honor has explained, there were many issues with the way the story was going. The shape and story of this dog movie may have been thought to be safe. Safe as in bankable, marketable. Everybody likes dogs right? How could we go wrong with a cute dog movie with the lead voice by John Travolta?

And the irony is, Bolt IS a cute dog movie with John Travolta as the lead that happens to also be a good movie.

But the movie does have a generic storyline, maybe too generic for some moviegoers, who simply are not interested in seeing another animated cute dog movie. But, despite the generic storyline, the film has heart. Hey, 84% of critics can't be wrong huh ;)And that heart and charm which seperates this cute dog movie from other generic films of it's type, is something that cannot be so easily communicated in advertising and marketing.

Disney may have realised this too late, and from what I could see, this film was less pushed for in the usual media outlets. That isn't to say that they didn't try to advertise it. But I would be interested in seeing how much was actually spent on advertsing for the film, compared to other Pixar and Disney films. Any insight on that subject Honor? Some people I spoke with hadn't even heard of this one. So put that up along side a teen movie blockbuster, and we have a recipe for...well, Bolt's opening weekend. None, of which has to do with the quality of the film itself, since most who have seen it enjoyed it.

Spokker said...

"Because I have actually seen all these films. Have you seen Bolt?"

Why would I see Chicken Little if it's the "worst movie Disney has ever made"?

If I said I wasn't interested in seeing Chicken Little, you wouldn't say, "Why don't you see it first before you judge?" because you already agree that it's not a good film.

"It wasn't like the film had bad reviews people stayed away because of that(Rotten Tomatoes reviews were at 86% yesterday)."

Click "top critics" and you'll see that it has 75%. And I don't disagree with 75% or 84%. It does what it sets out to do, no more, no less. It's a mildly amusing film that is going to sell a lot of cute puppy merchandise. But it's not exactly "new Disney era" stuff.

t said...

^All I am saying is that I can take someone a little more seriously when they actually know what they are talking about - if we're talking about a film, then I would think one would have at least seen the film at least once...then bash it all you want.. at least I could take that a little more seriously.

Anonymous said...

Rabble rabble rabble rabble!

Spokker said...

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.

I believe that if I look at the advertising and info for a movie and say, "Okay, I'm not interested. I'm not seeing it." that's just as valid as saying, "Okay, I'm interested in this movie. I'm going to go see it."

It doesn't look like a new era of Disney animation. It doesn't look any better than the Chris Sanders version. It doesn't look like Lasseter is the savior of all that is Disney.

So sue me for not being a believer yet.

Spokker said...

By the way, Honor Hunter, was there ever any leaked footage of American Dog that I could look at? I'm not an insider, unfortunately, and don't have the tight connections you have.

If I can get a substantial, detailed description of what American Dog was supposed to be, then I'll see Bolt. Otherwise there's no interest for me.

Are there leaked portions of the script? Rough animation? Storyboards? A treatment? Anything?

corruption said...

@Spokker

Ask and ye shall receive:

http://alwaysanimated.blogspot.com/2008/11/art-of-american-dog.html

Definitely a cooler sense of style. Oh, and you can find some more of Ogo's (the cat) story at Chris Sanders online comic:

http://kiskaloo.com/

Spokker said...

Thanks for the link, corruption. It just about confirms everything I believed about Bolt and American Dog. Lasseter claims the story wasn't coming together, maybe because it wasn't ripping off his movies enough.

Now this, is "fully awesome".

Spokker said...

From The Onion's review:

"Bolt is the studio's first film since Lilo & Stitch that feels like it's trying to recapture the old Disney..."

How deliciously ironic.

Honor Hunter said...

Spokker said: "By the way, Honor Hunter, was there ever any leaked footage of American Dog that I could look at? I'm not an insider, unfortunately, and don't have the tight connections you have."

You don't read my posts much do you, Spok?

If you go back through them I have a link to one of the only bits of test footage available. It's nice, looks like typical Chris Sanders... but what it doesn't show you is that the story wasn't there despite the look.

And no, I'm not gonna tell you which post. Look through them and you'll find it. Or ask someone here to tell you where it is. A little scavenger hunt so to speak. ;P

t said...

"I believe that if I look at the advertising and info for a movie and say, "Okay, I'm not interested. I'm not seeing it." that's just as valid as saying, "Okay, I'm interested in this movie. I'm going to go see it."

Ok...that's not exactly what I was getting at - but now when you say this:

"It doesn't look like a new era of Disney animation. It doesn't look any better than the Chris Sanders version. It doesn't look like Lasseter is the savior of all that is Disney."

That's when I raise an eyebrow. You can very well come to that conclusion all you want...I'm just saying that I can't take it seriously when you come to those kinds of conclusions without having even seen the film first.

But we agree to disagree. I think we've gone back and forth on that enough.


As for myself, do I think of Lassiter as a "savior"...do I think Bolt is the new renaissance...No. But I do think he is the right man for the job...the right man to lead the team right now. And I think Bolt is a step in the right direction to get to that renaissance that is coming with "Princess and the Frog".

Spokker said...

Stitch did $35 million its opening weekend. Adjusted for inflation that's just over $40 million.

"And I think Bolt is a step in the right direction to get to that renaissance that is coming with "Princess and the Frog"."

You haven't seen Princess and the Frog yet. Why have you judged it so highly already?

Anonymous said...

wow.. have you ever had such a long conversation after a post???

This kind of proves the controversy, and I guess means that this film will probably be well remembered for a while (whether its good or bad).

btw. didn't read the actual review, I'm steering away from these in case of spoilers or anything, since it's going to be months since i can see it. It's already a given i'm going to see it. So i need little encouragement at this point.

sucks that I can't join in the conversation..

btw. any news on where Glago's Guest is heading towards?

Anonymous said...

Spokker said: "You haven't seen Princess and the Frog yet. Why have you judged it so highly already?"

You should talk. You haven't seen Bolt and you've condemned it already. Put up or shut up, Spokker.

Spokker said...

"You should talk. You haven't seen Bolt and you've condemned it already. Put up or shut up, Spokker."

That was sort of my point. I'm being condemned for not seeing the film yet The Princess and the Frog is "Disney renaissance". Nonsense.

t said...

"That was sort of my point. I'm being condemned for not seeing the film yet The Princess and the Frog is "Disney renaissance". Nonsense."

Perhaps I should have said that I "believe" it may well be the start of a new Disney Animation renaissance.
Look at the talent and leadership associated with the making of that film already. I do believe it will be worth it. Of course I can't make definitive conclusions as of now...but I believe it could be the one. I can only wait until next christmas...then we can have another conversation.

But this back and forth thing you do Spokker speaks volumes...I know what you are trying to do. Move on.

Anonymous said...

Honnor, why do you let spokker hijack your posts????

He NEVER posts without ticking people off and causing trouble! He is a troll as he posts little jabs for the sole purpose of upsetting people.

He has been banned from numerous Disney sites for OBVIOUS reasons...

Anonymous said...

Wow, I haven't seen this many talkback comments since Honor posted that article on the Small World changes.

It shows whatever side you fall down on, Bolt is definitely causing strong feelings. We didn't get near this much on Chicken Little or MTR. I saw Bolt yesterday and it was great. Those that don't go see it are missing a true treat. I look forward to each film that comes out now under the new management.

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see this with my kids. It looks cute and seems to have a lesson about it.
"I'll go get my ball!"