Bolt

The story of Bolt the dog, who is the star of a TV show and doesn't know it's just a TV show.  He loses his best friend, co-star and owner, Penny, which leads him on a cross country search where he finds new friends and adventure along the way.

This is a solid effort by Disney Animation.  This is the first Disney Animation Studios film to be executive produced by Pixar director (Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Cars) and now head of animation at Pixar and Disney, John Lasseter, and it's apparent that Disney's story telling is improving with his help.  It's about at the level of Meet the Robinson's which was also enjoyable.  The animation, models, sets and textures look great.  The story has some heart to it, not quite the Pixar level, but solid.  The characters are likable, especially Rhino the hamster, who is voiced by Mark Walton, cousin to my cousins, we're not related but we have the same cousins...if that makes sense. He is a storyboard artist at Disney Animation and was a stand-in voice for Rhino but did such a good job they decided to keep him as the voice.  I attended a special viewing of Bolt that Mark was at, he answered some questions before and after the film and I got to meet him, a very nice guy, his performance really is the highlight of the movie.  

*** out of 4 (Rated PG for intense action and explosions)