Bolt

Disney’s 48th canonical animated feature, directed by Chris Williams, was the 2008 film Bolt. Starring John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Malcolm McDowell, Diedrich Bader, Nick Swardson, Greg Germann, Susie Essman and Mark Walton, the film grossed $310 million. It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature and the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film.

Bolt (Travolta) is a genetically altered dog with superpowers who fights alongside Penny (Cyrus) against the forces of Dr. Calico (McDowell). On TV anyways. In reality, Bolt believes his powers are real and the crew carefully hides anything that might reveal the truth to him. But one day, the crew chooses a cliffhanger plot, causing Bolt to escape and try to rescue her for real.

A lot of films and television series can’t get the trope of introducing a character to a new atmosphere right. But this film does well with it, especially in what it takes for Bolt to realize he really doesn’t have any powers. And even then, Rhino continues the charade, thinking Bolt’s still enhanced. Though, as with many Disney films, Bolt still manages to become a hero in the end by saving Penny from a burning building. Powers or not.

Mittens also has quite the interesting character arc. She’s an alley cat who believes humans can’t ever truly love an animal because her owners declawed her before throwing her out. She’s the streetwise mentor to Bolt, teaching him about the real world too. But when all is said and done, even she realizes she’s mistaken.

The whole concept of the plot is fascinating as well, taking the idea of The Truman Show and applying it to a dog. Granted keeping the façade up for Bolt is a bit harder because it’s a sci-fi/spy/action show. But they managed to do it, until the network executive showed up. And she’s the only real thing that can come close to a villain in the film. But she’s not evil. She’s just trying to make sure the network keeps all its viewers and nobody gets fired.

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