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If you took Stella out of Balto 3, who would you replace her with? It could be any dog/wolf character.

Myself, I'd add Aniu.

Interesting topic ya got here ^^
Despite the fact Balto 3 was a poor excuse for a movie, I think I'd replace Stella for Aniu as well. They should have added something else thisides the whole thing with Kodi. It made it kinda pointless. Either Aniu or Nava since Nava seems to be Balto's Uncle or Brother or something.

Actually, it would be far better if you stated that it is your opinion that Balto 3 "was a poor excuse for a movie" and that the whole thing with Kodi "made it kinda pointless". Because not only was Balto 3 a fairly-decent story, but there were several plots in it which wound together fairly well, including:

- the race between the bush plane and the dog team (over the mail carriage job)

- Kodi's relationship with his father

- Kodi's relationship with the mail team

- Boris and Stella's romance (admittedly the weakest part of the overall story)

- the search for Boris, Duke and the bush plane after it went down

I am continually amazed at how so many Balto fans tend to glaze over the sequels with overly-critical eyes, and yet fail to see what are often complex and fairly well-written plots. And usually over silly stuff like unfair comparisons between the animation and art of the first (theatrically-released and larger-budgeted) movie and one or more of the (small budget direct-to-video) sequels, and certain characters IN the sequels.

As to the topic question, I see no need whatsoever to take out Stella and replace her with another character.

Hm. Maybe I should have elaborated more. But honestly, I found the other two movies just unenjoyable. Yes, they had plot ideas that were alright, but the sequels could never compare to the first movie. Plus the animation going along with it just made it even worse. I don't hate them just because of the animation or characters because the plot wasn't very good at all (in my opinion). But I do see your point. Most users just hate it because of that. But I on the other hand have a whole arsenal of reasons to not like the sequels XD

Then perhaps you could explain, from that whole arsenal of reasons, why you found that the sequels could never compare to the first movie. If it is not about animation and art quality (which comes down purely to budget constraints), and the fact that Steven Spielberg's company was not involved in the sequels (which also goes, in part, to budget constraints and probably lack of interest); and if it wasn't about the characters, then what is it? This I would be most interested to hear...

In reality (putting aside personal opinion if possible), how much more complex was the story in the first movie, really, than either sequel story? Remember, in each there was more than one plot line running concurrently (though, admittedly, in the first sequel, there were very few). Plot is not a story. It is an element of a story.

I'll talk to you about this through pms so we don't spam up the topic ;]

I wasn't much for Stella, but I wouldn't replace her for another character...I honestly don't see where any other character would fit in. Even if you were to replace Stella with another you would have to change the plot in order for anything to make any sense...

I have a question though. Why do at least two of you say Aniu should be replaced with Stella? Care to elaborate? Because I don't see how a wolf spirit would fit into the wings of change plot.

I, personally, liked Stella. Okay, she could be a bit over the top but she was a fun character. Plus it was interesting to see a love interest for Boris. (I'm not one of those people that think every character needs a love interest, however. So don't be confused with that).

Also, to replace Stella would almost be certain to completely alter the story, especially if the producers had added Aniu and kept the character of Stella out of the picture. I like Aniu, don't get me wrong, but she just wouldn't have fit. I think it would have been interesting to see what happened to at least one of the other puppies, but again, the plot would have had to be changed slightly.

Something that would have had the potential to be a good scene could have been Kodi seeing the White Wolf (I am one of those people who believe the White Wolf & Aniu are two different characters, especially due to the fact that the producer of the first Balto movie did not intend for the white wolf to be Balto's mother. That would completely inferred by the production crew of the second movie). I know Kodi did not have trouble with his heritage as did Aleu, but because he was at such odds with his father, seeing a scene like this that could connect the son and father - both seeing the same spirit to help guide them - might have had potential!

But back completely on topic, I would not remove Stella for any character. Even though many people dislike her, I think she was a fine character.

As for the people saying that Balto III was a bad movie, it might be wise to state that it is an opinion and not try to state it as a fact, as there are some people who view it as a rather decent movie.

Yes, that's what I mean. Wording fail.

Id probably pick the raven

In other words, Aniu, Lol, for the Raven was Aniu.

More likely Aleu (in my opinion) because it would be quite interesting to see her reaction to Kodis appearance (that HE was adopted by a human, not her)

Aleu all ready knows that Kodi got adopted. It's highly unlikely she even gave a care about it by the end of WQ considering she was happy leaving to lead a pack of wolves. She even says "I've finally found my home."