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It's not easy being a television star, even if you're an animated dog in 3-D.
Just ask "Bolt," the title hero of the latest confection from Disney. It uses elements of other such tales -- especially those Disney has done in tandem with the computer-animation firm Pixar, as recently as last summer's "WALL-E" -- but it's very enjoyable on its own terms.
For starters, John Travolta supplies the voice of Bolt. The actor's face has been so wedded to his voice for so long, it's fun to hear how effective his sound is by itself, especially with a character who's been designed to reflect Travolta's unique merging of bravado and vulnerability.
Bolt is the hero of a TV show, and he believes he really is a super-dog, able to do amazing things all on his own. He doesn't realize there are things called special effects, which have enabled him to give the image of being a one-of-a-kind canine ... apparently to himself, as well as to viewers. Complications take Bolt from Hollywood to New York, where he learns he's not as powerful as he thought. As he finds his way back West to the human who loves him (who has the voice of Miley Cyrus), it's a fun and sometimes touching journey.
With Malcolm McDowell (yes, Alex of "A Clockwork Orange" himself) also in the voice cast, "Bolt" does what the best films in its genre do. While entertaining the kids, it also puts in enough humor to keep the attention of adults. And using James Lipton, the ever-erudite host of "Inside the Actors Studio," as the voice of Bolt's TV-series director? Simply a brilliant move.
"Bolt" is the holiday fun it intends to be, and the 3-D aspect is just the gravy. And that's how it should be for a well-made movie.
(Rated PG)
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