Bolt

So I know I'm probably not 'target market' for Bolt. But then the same can also be said for the majority of both Pixar and Dreamwork's back catalogue, and they haven't managed to stop me yet. Bolt however, strikes me as being different to all the others on those lists. The story is pretty standard enough - a canine cross between 'The Truman Show' and 'Finding Nemo', Bolt is a unwitting TV star who finds himself on the other side of America trying to find a way home. A neat concept, and indeed one which is delivered with the high levels of charm and artistry that can be expected of a Disney animation. However, as entertaining as the film is, Bolt is one of the first animated adventures where it's felt like there's a lot more for kids to enjoy, than for adults.

In hindsight, Bolt's plan to break into the Bellagio's vault was perhaps best left to a different movie franchise

Don't get me wrong, there is plenty to appreciate, regardless of age. Indeed, some of the most fun comes from the obese, and slightly delusional hamster companion Rhino, who's one liners are difficult not to appreciate; "Ring, ring! Who's there? Destiny? I've been expecting your call." and "I'm going to beat your pancreas with your spleen!" being two of my personal favourites. But regardless of that, the plot just doesn't feel as fresh as films of a similar ilk. The very fact that it's possible to draw a comparison between two existing films just proves that. The single benefit of animation is that you can do anything - the only limit is your imagination - and yet, for me, Bolt just doesn't seem to be able to live up to that mantra. Certainly enjoyable enough whilst it's on, it just doesn't seem to push enough of the boundaries to call it one of the greats.