Balto
Ah, the good old days of hand-drawn animation. I still cherish those pre-Millennial days
before computers handled animation completely.
This movie begins and ends as live-action with the flashback animated. Set in Nome, Alaska (an isolated northwestern
town) during the 1920’s, it involves the titular half-Husky/half-wolf coming to
the rescue during a diphtheria outbreak.
Balto is initially shunned for being half-wolf but once he retrieves the
medicine needed for the ailing children, he’s lauded for being a hero. Therefore, differences don’t prevent heroism.
Balto
is adventurous, suspenseful and wondrous to behold. I’m always amazed at what animators can
accomplish. Not my favorite animated
feature but definitely worthy.
Balto II: Wolf Quest
Not the worst direct-to-video sequel let alone sequel
period. Contains unnecessary singing
prevalent in direct-to-video animated sequels but almost as much adventure as
its predecessor. This time one of
Balto’s daughters (the only one that looks more wolf) endures the same
insecurities he once did of being a mixed breed upon learning of her
ancestry. The ultimate message is that
there’s a place in this world for everyone no matter who or what you are.
Balto III: Wings of Change
Still not terrible considering it’s a second direct-to-video
sequel. Taking place in the late 1920’s
during airmail’s infancy, the sled dogs (including Balto’s son) feel like they
might be useless once mail is entirely delivered by plane. A race is set between the pilot and dogs to
deliver mail to a nearby town and back to see which delivery method is
quicker. Something happens on the return
route and Balto once again saves the day.
The message here would be to retain the old ways as modern advancements
are apt to fail as proven here.
In conclusion: While
it may not be the best trilogy, it certainly makes for a decent family
marathon. Luckily it ended at three,
unlike The Land Before Time (I never
saw a single sequel) or those live-action Air
Bud movies and its rip-offs. I’m not
sure whether to tell you to watch these now while it’s cold out and you’re in
the comfort of your warm home, or during the summer to “cool” you off. I personally always thought it was cozier to
watch movies set during winter during winter
in the comfort of my warm home. Plus, I
was born in Alaska so these movies should resonate with me. Whatever, I only lived there until I was 2. 1/8/2017
---Sean O.
