#SusieEssman

[adamwatchesmovies]

Bolt (2008)

All these years later, Bolt endures as solid entertainment for the whole family. While it may not be on the same level as the Disney animated films which succeeded it like the sure-to-be classics Tangled and Frozen there's a lot to enjoy: memorable characters, fun gags, and great visuals.

Bolt (voiced by John Travolta) is a super-powered dog whose owner, Penny (voiced by Miley Cyrus), has been kidnapped by the nefarious Doctor Calico (voiced by Malcolm McDowell). When Bolt loses his powers, he must find another way to save his best friend. That’s what he believes anyway. Bolt doesn’t know it but he’s just an actor. He’s never had superpowers. With the help of a sarcastic alley cat named Mittens (the voice of Susie Essman) and overeager hamster Rhino (voiced by Mark Walton) Bolt searches for a way back to Penny and begins learning what being a regular dog is like.

Bolt stands high above Walt Disney Studio’s previous CG animated films. It's funnier, better-looking, and a lot more charming than both The Wild and Chicken Little. Even without the comparisons to disappointing animated ventures, it's a rousing success. There’s great action throughout as well. It begins with a bang; we see the Bolt television series and what CGI animation can really do. It's non-stop shots of moves and explosions you would've never been able to do in live-action and would've been just as difficult if it were hand-drawn. This film utilizes its media to the full extent of its capabilities.

The characters are likeable and the premise - preposterous as it may be - works. It doesn't quite make sense in that the show's budget would have to be limitless with the explosions, destruction, and stunts. Plus there's the inconvenience it would cause to everyone as traffic is stopped so Bolt can dangle someone off of a bridge to interrogate them. It does make for a hilarious realization, however. In the Bolt Universe, the show's director (voiced by James Lipton) must put every artist ever born to shame. He can direct and edit an episode on the fly, coordinate stunts and special effects… all in one take. We’re literally talking about faking Bolt shooting eye beams and detonating missiles while in the middle of a motorcycle car chase. If that weren't enough, he manages to hide his cameras, mikes, and every other piece of equipment. He’s so good that he doesn’t need green screens. His stunts are so immaculately planned he doesn’t stunt doubles. So convincing is the show that even Bolt doesn’t realize it’s fake. He must have a mountain of awards in his backyard.

My main criticism of Bolt is that it often plays it a bit too safe. The story is familiar. It's sort of a Truman Show with a dog with a bit of a Buzz and Woody from Toy Story thrown in. The casting of Miley Cyrus (who also provides a song about halfway through) as Penny is odd. It feels like she was cast to add a name on the poster rather than for her voice acting skills, unlike John Travolta, Susie Essman or Mark Walton, which are quite good in their roles. That’s really it. Rhino could've easily been annoying - like so many talking animal sidekicks have been in the past - but he’s fun. He’s in the film just enough to have some good running jokes and get out before he gets grating. You like the dynamics between the other characters. Bolt's relationship with Penny is sweet.

Bolt is an enjoyable family film. There are some laughs, little moments of heart throughout, the characters are fun to follow, it looks great. I think it plays better for younger children than some of the more sophisticated Disney films we’ve seen previously but if any other studio had released Bolt, you’d be blown away so that feels like a moot point. It’s a fine addition to your family’s collection of animated features. (On Blu-ray, February 2, 2016)

[film-book]

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CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM: HBO’s Comedy TV Series Renewed for a Twelfth Season https://film-book.com/curb-your-enthusiasm-hbos-comedy-tv-series-renewed-for-a-twelfth-season/?feed_id=93864&_unique_id=6305970206f0e

[blacksnowcomics]

I’ve been working on some fun Curb Your Enthusiasm character drawings #curbyourenthusiasm #larrydavid #cherylhines #jbsmoove #susieessman #drawing #art https://www.instagram.com/p/CRVViWIBn7R/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lobbydigital]

Oh no hide your kids it's #CHALKvanadalism!! Shouts to the hilarious af women in my life. #susieessman (at Rochester, New York)

[alex6186]

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When ppl ask me why I'm not married yet lol. #curbyourenthusiasm #larrydavid #jeffgarlin #SusieEssman #divorce #tvshows #funny #funnyshow #bobeinstein #realtalk #cantsleep

[mrmedia]

Happy Birthday Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star CHERYL HINES! 2007 PODCAST INTERVIEW CHERYL HINES audio excerpt: "We thought that there was going to be a terrorist attack on Los Angeles, and I wanted to stay in town and Larry wanted to leave. And so in the outline, that’s all that was written, really. Then when we actually did the scene, it turned into this very soft-spoken scene where Larry and I were talking, and we’re having this serious conversation, but I felt very funny. I was like, “Well, if something happens, don’t you think we should be together?” And he’s like, “Actually, I think that’s a little selfish. Just because one of us perishes, does that mean the other one has to?” And so we sort of went back and forth and just asking him what he wanted to do. In one take, he said he thought he’d go to a dude ranch. And I think the take that ended up on the air, he said, “I thought I’d go to Pebble Beach.” So just getting through that scene, I don’t know, it unfolded into a scene that was never written but turned out to be very funny, I think.” https://mrmedia.com/2007/10/cheryl-hines-curb-your-enthusiasm-actor/ #CherylHones #LarryDavid #CurbYourEnthusiasm #JeffGarlin #SusieEssman #actress #Seinfeld

[hennessyhaole]

From clubs to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' Susie Essman has seen & done it all! #KillMeNow Ep. 40 with Judy Gold @jewdygold and me! https://bit.ly/2Ey3x0H #podcast #susieessman #judygold https://ift.tt/2GNzkN2

[melodymunson]

Can't wait for Curb Your Enthusiasm to return to HBO with season 9! Its one of my favorite shows https://medium.com/hbo-cinemax-pr/hit-hbo-comedy-series-curb-your-enthusiasm-starring-larry-david-to-return-for-its-ninth-season-4203b46e2674#.4uas2gc6l #curbyourenthusiasm #hbo #larrydavid #cherylhines #susieessman #jeffgarlin #prettygood #prettyprettyprettygood

[strugglations101]

"curb your enthusiasm" is returning to @hbo and that's pretty pretty pretty...pretty good... 🙏🏿 #larrydavid #jeffgarlin #susieessman #funny #comedy #hbo #tv #television #entertainment #thehollywoodreporter #hollywoodreporter #news #info

[bluesquare12]

#Repost @classic_klips ・・・ 😂😂😭 When #Bae got your back lol... Tag a Friend. (Vivica Commented 😍) #SusieEssman #LarryDavid #VivicaFox @MsVfox #CurbYourEnthusiasm #comedy #petty #nochill