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Bolt is the best Disney in years
Disney released Bolt the same weekend that “Twilight” hit the boards. Bad timing. Any other time, just because of the voice of Miley Cyrus, the tweens would be abuzz with talk of this movie. Even if you have to borrow a neighbor’s kid, go see this movie. it’s one of the better animated tales that is not filled with double-entendre, yet is still funny and tells a tale worth telling.
Even though it is rated PG, Bolt has all the elements of a great family movie and not much that a parent could object to. There are some tense scenes and insinuations of violence, but most of this takes place in the fantasy world of TV — rather than real life — portrayed within the movie.
The premise of Bolt, combined with its high-profile actors, will likely attract audiences of a variety of ages.
Young children may enjoy the upbeat story of a cute white dog celebrity on an adventure in New York City, while tweens may be drawn to the star power of Miley Cyrus, who voices Bolt’s owner, Penny.
Meanwhile, parents and other adults can be entertained by the clever storyline and sophisticated CGI animation without fear of boredom. There is even a 3D version on release in selected theatres.
As with most disney cartoons, there is a moral to the story.
The story revolves around the television adventures of a girl and her dog. The dog however, is not aware the adventures are all staged and he will always come out on top and unharmed.
Bolt’s particular version of reality comes crashing down when the little dog is accidentally trapped in a box that is shipped to New York City.
As Bolt finds his true self in the real world, he also makes a few friends — including a cat and a hamster. The two accompany him as he attempts to find Penny and protect her from his on-screen nemesis — whom he still thinks exists.
It is likely that adults and children alike will exit the theatre with smiles on their faces after watching Bolt’s adventure and reunion.
Voicecast: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton, Malcolm McDowell, James Lipton, Greg Germann and Diedrich Bader
Bolt
Rating (*** 1/2 out of *****)
Synopsis: From Walt Disney Pictures comes an animated comedy adventure featuring a super-dog named BOLT (voice of JOHN TRAVOLTA), whose days are filled with danger and intrigue — at least until the cameras stop rolling.When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet — a cross-country journey through the real world to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of MILEY CYRUS). Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and the help of two unlikely traveling companions — a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voice of SUSIE ESSMAN) and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino (voice of MARK WALTON) — Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero. Directed by Disney veterans Chris Williams and Byron Howard, BOLT is a hilarious, fun-filled, action-packed animated comedy adventure in Disney Digital 3-D.
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 96 minutes
- Entertainment Realm
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"Imagination Movers" gets kids up and dancing
The House of Mouse’s release “Imagination Movers: Warehouse Mouse Edition” brought mixed reactions from my 4-year-old daughter Clare, 9-year-old son Josiah, and a little bit of eye rolling and parental perspective from me.
Walt Disney Studio Home Entertainment Division had released “Imagination Movers Warehouse Mouse Edition to video retail and rental outlets in early May.
Scott, Smitty, Dave and Rich, the “Imagination Movers,” are a lot of fun to watch. The colorful set, constant motion, and energetic music make it a shoo-in for the preschool set. The guys genuinely seem to be enjoying themselves, and I’m pretty sure the kids can sense it. This is not one of the best educational films, but it is truly entertaining and will get children up and dancing. While geared for younger children, our oldest son generally didn’t mind watching the film from time to time.
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'Despereaux' a tale with heart
Universal released “The Tale of Despereaux” to video rental and retail outlets April 7. The film is entertaining, down to earth, heart—warming and funny. In other words, good story, good teachings, good film. Go buy it.
“The Tale of Despereaux” is a DVD worth watching, especially withe kids. I reviewed the Blu—Ray release.
This release has a lot of heart.
It’s a story about courage, about being okay with being different and about seeing beyond how others want you to be.
I watched this with my 6-soon-to-be-7-year-old granddaughter. We both loved it.
“The Tale of Despereaux” is a multi-level experience
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NCTC dance department to unveil 'Revolution'
“Revolution—a dynamic mix of sound and movement” is how the Department of Dance at North Central Texas College is billing its upcoming spring concert on April 27.
The event, open at no charge to the general public, will begin at 7:30 p.m. on the main stage of the First State Bank Center for the Performing Arts (FSB Center) on the Gainesville Campus.
The concert program will feature members of the performance dance classes at NCTC from both the Gainesville and Corinth campuses and will center around dance presentations they have been working on during the semester under the direction of instructors Meghan Cardwell-Wilson and Karen MacIntyre.
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"A Heroes Welcome" movie review
The Story of Our Heroes and the Town that Stood Up to Honor Them was to tell the stories of both the Medal of Honor Recipients and the city with the only Medal of Honor Host City Program in America: Gainesville.
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"Mortal Justice" takes a swipe at criminal justice system
Suspects don’t give false confessions, right?
Don’t be so sure.
Jeanette Popp and Wanda Evan’s “Mortal Justice” may give even hard-core law and order advocates a fresh perspective on the Texas criminal justice system.
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BBC releases Doctor Who: The Key to Time
BBC Video released Doctor Who: The Key to Time on March 3 to video retail and rental outlets. The story-line is one of only two — if I remember correctly — that was a full season long.
Of course, while there are only 6 episodes, they are divided into 26 shows.
If you’re a Dr. Who fan you should get it if only for that reason. Even if you’re not though, there are some valid reasons to watch these slices of the longest running science fiction series in the world.
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Metalocalypse mesmerizes
I am of two minds about Metalocalypse.
The first season of the violent fantasy/adventure/rock fest is for sale on DVD now, and will probably find its niche with younger adults.
Anyone over 30 will likely find it distasteful.
When I first watched an episode of the series in 2007 with my son Trevor — who swore it was hilarious — I couldn’t help laughing.
Metalocalypse is typical Adult Swim fare.
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Karma Police is a satisfying game of turn about
Karma Police will probably not come to your local cineplex. But it is definitely worth searching out, finding and buying. One can find it at most national video rental shops, or online at most major outlets.
I have to admit, I kinda-sorta wish there were a group like the Karma Police — I would love knowing that not only would I get my reward — or punishment — after I died, but I would get it now.
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