Marroah

6 / 10

Two sides to the same coin., January 01, 2015

Briefly about the cartoon: it is based on a true story that occurred in Nome in 1925. Based on a brave act of one dog who saved children from deadly disease. Still in our time in school of Alaska children are immortal story of Balto, who was given the "mind, dedication and loyalty."

Briefly about the childhood experiences, when I did not understand anything in the movies: cartoon with breathtaking music, stunning scenery and beautiful history.

But I grew up. And I have to look at this through on a cartoon by the eyes  of a mature man. The person who will look at the logic and quality, only then enjoying. Or maybe "Balto" not as good as he is assessed?

Well, I'll start with the pros and advantages of this cartoon:

1. Music. In my opinion, this is one of the best creations of James Horner. Majestic, beautiful, warm, exciting, sensual. When you listen separately from the movie - you feel that this is truly a masterpiece. I do not know. My ears are in seventh heaven. This is one of those rare soundtracks, which certainly you do not want to forget. It's really something epic. It's as if you really want to make your heart jumped out of chest. Joy and adrenaline.

2.Backgrounds and scenery. Although not as detailed (for example, no footprints in the snow), but it's just gorgeous. These expanses of the North, these snowy mountains, beautiful forest, perfectly painted nights. You know what, I like to look at the film, but that there were no characters on the screen. Because slowly falling snow is simply mesmerizing. The authors successfully passed Nome appearance in the the 20s. Colors are pleasant and unearthly, but familiar. It's awesome.

3. The story itself. It's really something. The fight for the lives of children, dedication and strength. As well as the will and the good. It's a lot of potential. Show the relationship between man and animal, close-knit team and a true love of a wild animal and a little girl, his desire to save her.

4. Finally. Scene "Heritage of wolf." That's why I watched the movie as a child. Only because of this piece of masterpiece. I do not know if it was ... But!  If it was a teaser for the animated film (the only episode), moreover, that it would be one of the most beautiful and passionate teasers of all time, so all the fans of animation literally exploded to the theaters with cries of "I want! I want!". This is the best in this cartoon. And I will not tolerate that someone turned this beautiful moment in the the infamous "deus ex machina"!

5. Voices. In fact, it's not exactly a plus. Voices mostly pleasant, but sometimes sound lifeless. Of course, saves the situation perfectly drawn heroes' gesture and facial expressions, but with voices is sometimes hitch. For Kevin Bacon and Bridget Fonda is a new experience, so that they are well managed (not bad, but not perfect).  I very pleased with Bob Hoskins. He (as in "Roger Rabbit") agile, playful, wise and morally laden hero (quirky and stunning crafted goose Boris). Now Jim Cummings. I love his "villainous" voice (like voices of Tony Jay, Jeremy Irons, Christopher Lee, Alan Rickman, etc). Only, unfortunately, because of his voice, I already know that his character is negative.

Well, now to the disadvantages of the cartoon. Unfortunately, the script and the overall scene backbone rather poorly developed. Now consider:

1. Grizzly Bear scene -- A Big Liped Alligator Moment!  And the scene itself and itself bear a direct rip-off of the bear "The Fox and the Hound" and Akakabuto of "Ginga Nagareboshi Gin". This is hell Akakabuto! In "The Fox and the Hound" scene made sense, as was the turning point for the characters. Tod and Copper became enemies, but this event re-awakened in them friendship. I am not a fan of this anime, but it was cool villain  and chic opening theme. Akakabuto was the main villain. And truly memorable and bloodthirsty. His huge size, a fierce temper, terrible roar and madness (damn, he beheaded one of the bears!). In "Balto" scene has no meaning or significance. Is that our hero can not fight  and he's very hard pacifist ...

2. Clichéd nature of the characters. And many do not have the personality or even unnecessary. Clichéd a plot skeleton. Honestly, I have a great hatred of the pattern "loser, who became a hero and get the girl.". From the drama, which a cartoon promises to be, it turns into a teen melodrama about the outcast, which everyone hates and banished, but when he makes the feat, all fawn upon him because of his fame, and he forgives all bullies. I hate it. There is nothing about cohesion and nobility. Only typical "Be yourself, be an individual, spit on the origin."

3. Clichéd and poorly prescribed villain (Scar-Gaston mix). Typical muscular popular pooch. Traits, except vile nature and run for glory no any at all. Wait a minute. Why in the movie with the story of the rescue of people by animals, they need a bad guy ?! This is stupid and indicates a lack of imagination. And so do his minions are upper of mediocrity. They don't personality at all. Just dolls for background. The main girl-character, too (with beautiful appearance and care) does not show a bright character and merely acts as a stimulus for the hero and villain. About the main character, I generally keep quiet. Generally some dissonance. When he was "separated" from the story and Steele with his retinue, Balto looks like the charismatic weasley stray cunning dodger with kind heart, capable of different parkour, who meets with a girls and able to stand up for themselves. But when he "returned" in the this cliche - we have weak wacky loser-omega, which allows over a mock oneself.

4. Very stupid, very strange and very illogical moments and plot twists. There's no prehistory or anything (director's version they could do). Everything goes quickly and in a hurry. If Balto is half-wolf, he is completely rejected in Nome, but wolves are very friendly to him. Why can not he go with them? I always found it interesting what wolves say when they howl?! Why Balto allows some shabby dogs bully yourself? He is half-wolf! Another would have asked long-bashing  them. Apparently people in this cartoon is so stupid, they do not see directly under him, as one dog comes to paw another dog. Also, why Steele did not run in demonstration races? And why team went for the medicine only in the evening in a blizzard (if they are prepared, and demonstrations of the race were held early in the morning )?  Steele attempted to kill Balto, why Balto allow him to attack and strike!? Balto did not even dodge attacks! Sorry, but this is nonsense. As Steele was able to survive? There's a man is broken to death if he fall from mountain! As Steele did not get lost in their own false labels? And he overtook a dog team, and do not get lost? And why Balto led a dog team across the canyon, if he could be guided by the smell?!  This is the most prominent of strangeness. And these are just some.

These were the minuses. Cartoon wonderful plays emotions, the atmosphere is sustained well. This is not a masterpiece, but just nice and warming cartoon. And in the end it sounds touching phrase: "Thank you. I would have died without you".