Balto (1995) 6.8
An outcast half-wolf risks his life to prevent a deadly epidemic from ravaging Nome, Alaska. Director:Simon Wells |
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Balto (1995) 6.8
An outcast half-wolf risks his life to prevent a deadly epidemic from ravaging Nome, Alaska. Director:Simon Wells |
|
| Watch Trailer 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Kevin Bacon | ... |
Balto
(voice)
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| Bob Hoskins | ... |
Boris the Goose
(voice)
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| Bridget Fonda | ... |
Jenna
(voice)
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| Jim Cummings | ... |
Steele the Sled Dog
(voice)
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| Phil Collins | ... |
Muk and Luk
(voice)
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Jack Angel | ... |
Nikki
(voice)
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Danny Mann | ... |
Kaltag
(voice)
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| Robbie Rist | ... |
Star
(voice)
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| Juliette Brewer | ... |
Rosy
(voice)
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Sandra Dickinson | ... |
Sylvie /
Dixie
(voice)
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| Miriam Margolyes | ... |
Grandma Rosy /
Extra Voices
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Lola Bates-Campbell | ... |
Granddaughter
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| Donald Sinden | ... |
Doc
(voice)
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| William Roberts | ... |
Rosy's Father
(voice)
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| Garrick Hagon | ... |
Telegraph Operator
(voice)
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A half-wolf, half-husky named Balto gets a chance to become a hero when an outbreak of diphtheria threatens the children of Nome, Alaska in the winter of 1925. He leads a dog team on a 600-mile trip across the Alaskan wilderness to get medical supplies. The film is based on a true story which inspired the Iditarod dog sled race. Written by Alan Katz
This film has a seriousness and drama to it that will surprise you. There are no songs, and it has an adult feel to it, with mature themes and exciting action. The voice characters are its main failing, with Kevin Bacon giving rather flat performance to Balto, and there is an overall lack of conviction in most of the other voices as well. But this movie has good story and excellent pacing- there are several gripping action sequences, and very few childish moments. Balto is an excellent family film, and will keep adults and older kids enthralled and entertained. I think it's a little too serious for very young kids to enjoy, though. It has realism and is not light hearted. There are ideas about sickness, death and prejudice which are used very well to move this story along and help resolve it in the end. This is a hero story with a feel-good ending, and plenty of adventure along the way. The art and appearance is interesting and unique, mostly classic animation with a few computer assisted scenes-- the overall look is tidy and quality, with some charm and humor that will get you smiling. It has a live action entry and closure (including a view of the Balto statue in Central Park) which acts as a tie-together, and the true story behind this movie gives it additional appeal. This film, like the WB's 'Iron Giant', has been breezed over by the public and not gotten the recognition it deserves. I would recommend Balto for anyone who likes dogs, realism, or just a smooth, enjoyable film.