My five year old was terrified, and while it was clear to an adult that Bolt was an "actor" my son didn't fully get it (at least until we had to turn it off!). The beginning was way too violent and scary, it was too sad when the girl left him, and we turned it off when the cats started to scare him. Maybe it gets better from there, but my kids were terrified at this point!
Good for kids if you sit down and talk with them about the movie.
The positve message wasn't overt, but there was a message of loyalty to family ie Bolt with Penny and vice versa. There was also loyalty between friends with Rhino not letting bolt "go it alone". There was some violence in the movie with explosions, missles, car crashes and physical hitting like when bolt karate chops the bad guys. The fire scene at the end could be intense for children; however, it could be a good teaching moment to use to talk about a fire plan in your own home and what to do in the case of a fire. Overall, I thought the movie was well done. Some kids though could get a scare or two out of the movie and there could be a sense of sadness when Penny and Bolt are parted from each other. Our 2 and a half year old loves the movie.
some violence, good characters and story, positive message
My son watched this at age 5 and had a little trouble keeping the actor/real-life stuff straight. We did have to stop the movie a few times and explain what was going on. The fire scene at the end made him a little nervous but promises that the movie had a happy ending helped. A lot of what Common Sense says is appropriate for his age is too scary but this one was fine. He used all his tv time for the day on this movie several times over the course of a couple of weeks.
Good For All Ages (Depending on what you think is a little kid movie.)
I found nothing wrong with this movie. I went to see it in theatres when I was 8 and I'm a month away from being 11 and I'm always happy to watch it. The fire scene is nothing to be worried about, in my opinion.
I think 3+ would be good, but, maybe 4+ for the mild peril.
I'm pretty surprised it was rated 'PG'. Think about 'The Secrets Of The Nimh'. It was only rated G, and it's very bloodshed.
Dissapointed at Disney for being so bloodshed not to keep the fight scene with Bolt and the other dogs. A much better way in my opinion for older kids for Bolt to find out he has no powers.
This a terrifically fun movie but the opening sequences were way too scary for my 5 year old. He asked us to turn it off. Having seen it before, I tried to explain the;show within show; concept but he did not really get that. He watched a bit longer - even into the part were the high action sequences were over - and still asked to be excused. So he was excused and happily went to hang out with Grandma instead. My 10 year old and I continued watching and we enjoyed it enormously. The role of Mittens the cat, voiced by Susie Essman, was hilarious and touching. Great family film but sensitive five and six year olds won't be ready for it. Start at 7 if you want to make sure everyone enjoys and understands it.
As you can probably see fron my avatar, this is my all-time FAVORITE movie! Bolt makes for a good role model when he proves his loyalty to penny by rescuing her in a dangerous real-life situation. I really do want to see more of "The Bolt Show" - the one on TV. As of now, I'm hoping for a sequal!
We didn't get past the first 20 minutes--my 5.5 year and 3 year old girls found the beginning scenes too intense and scary. Too violent for our tastes.
Bolt is loaded with violence and not swell role models.
This movie is pretty violent despite what the review says. And kids this young don't understand "manufactured violence" or a "TV show within the movie". I'd say 6+, pretty iffy for 5, and definitely not for 4 or younger.
This is the best strictly Disney CG animated movie made. Now unfortunately I haven't seen it in a while so I can't go into detail, but the animation is spectacular, the action is high flying, is good for kids and adults, and above all it proved that Miley Cyrus can act; a huge accomplishment.
This is the one and only time you will hear me sing praise for anything with Miley Cyrus, but Bolt is a total gem! I seriously have heard other parents quoting Rhino's lines. The story never gets slow, the characters are never mean or horrible, and even the superficial agent is so funny he is a great example of what "not" to be like.
The story has some great lessons for little ones about bravery, friendship, perseverance, and honesty. Bolt is charming and adorable. Through his coming to terms with his "real identity" children learn valuable lessons about movie fantasy. I would recommend this for any child over 2 who is ready for a full-length film!
The opening scene does have some loud explosions and high suspense, but it is over quickly and it is essential to plot.
Bolt is great entertainment for the whole family. Ultimately, the theme is about trust and friendship. The humor tickles me as much as my 8 year-old. It's a wonderful film.
This movie shouldn't be watched by any kid under 6 for the violent scene at the end with Penny and Bolt. That one scene influenced the whole movie to be PG for me. If your under-six-year-old kid loves action or suspence, then this is the movie for them. If not, don't hesitate to ignore.
My daughter loves animals, so any movie where animals are the stars is a hit, my only concern with Bolt is that some scenes were a bit scary for the younger guy (3) and also the use of mean language that we don't allow at home (stupid)Other than that, the movie was fun to watch.
My 6 year old didnt completely understand the movie--he wanted to see more of the television show Bolt--but he thought it was hysterically funny nonetheless. My husband and I laughed a lot as well.