Red XIII

3 / 10

Anticipated, disappointed., October 26, 2010

With the release of Balto on the VHS, I fell in love with the film. As a kid I would find myself watching the movie over and over again, and of course, anticipating the next release of a sequel, if there would be one. Lo and behold my prayers had been answered, only to be disappointed in what I had watched, feeling as if another great masterpiece had been brutally butchered by a sequel.

Of course I somewhat enjoyed watching the film, having a childhood hero such a Balto to star in it, his trusty pal, Boris, aswell as the lovable duo, Muk & Luk. The storyline/plot had began it's build with the first sequence in the movie, at least it peaked my interest to foreshadow what had been in store later on in the film. Though that had ended soon enough, with an obvious switch of the artist(s). The entire style of the film was poor, many times had my sights crossed a disfigured proportion of the bodies, aswell as the incredulous movement of the lips during dialogue. Having been disappointed, I finished watching nonetheless, it was interesting to me, as I watched that of the supernatural unfold constantly. The spirit of Aniu following the protagonist on his journey, aswell as the daughter, the trails/totem (Fox the cunning trickster, wolverine your fear, bear inner knowing, and Caribou, life,) aswell as the almighty Nava that expressed more than once, a supernatural intervention. Must not forget the spirit guide, Muru. In my opinion, it was too much, and somewhat abstruse for the younger viewers. I wish my non-existent dog can fade into a tree.

What had disappointed me the most, however, was the singing. As soon as the first musical had burst out from the film, I wanted to face palm, or of course, my favourite friend; fast forward to save my sanity. The songs alone weren't bad, the lyrics were okay, however, I don't remember there any singing in the original Balto, save the 'Reach for the Light' during the ending credits, which in my opinion, still is one of my favourite today.

All-in-all it's an okay sequel, good for the family, good for the kids.  

~RedXIII