Quick Points
Reality vs. Movie
Finding the Balto statue in Central Park really is as difficult as Grandma Rosie and her granddaughter make it seem.
Soundtrack/Score
I never realized how pretty it was when I was a kid.
Really a Kids Movie?
Yes, definitely. Oh, sure, there are a few suspenseful moments, but the polar bears and Boris were clearly put in the movie to counteract any life-traumatizing scenes.
Still Good After all These Years?
I'd have to say yes. Even though the jokes seem lame now, the story still pulls at your heart.
For "the true story of an American Hero," this movie is filled with a ton of inaccuracies. But that's ok, because it's still a good tail (pun intended).
The story of the Siberian-husky-now-turned-wolf-dog-by-Universal-Studios had enough suspense in it before the animators added bright colors and talking animals. Nome, Alaska faced a terrible diptheria outbreak that threatened the children of the city, and the only way to get the antitoxin was by racing through treacherous terrain and freezing snowstorms. Add in a little identity crisis to your hero, and you've got the perfect plot.
It can't be all seriousness in a children's film, though. That's why you have the animals exchanging witty banter and cracking jokes. And while I did let lose a few half-hearted chuckles at Uncle Boris' expense, the comedy in this movie is clearly aimed at a younger audience. The real aspect of the story that has withstood time is Balto's character development as he goes from the out-casted underdog to the confident hero. Even though it's a super predictable change, you can't help but cheer Balto on. All children should see this movie if they haven't already. If you're an adult and somehow missed out on Balto when you were younger, I would say go ahead and give it a shot if you like dog movies.
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What did you think of the movie? Comment below!

I found this cute site that lets parents and kids review movies and then make age suggestions. Below are the links for the kids and adults who reviewed Balto. Not official movie reviews like I usually post, but I thought it'd be an interesting change of pace.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/balto/user-reviews/kids
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/balto/user-reviews/adult