Balto (1996)
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50% of critics liked it
(12 reviews) -
66% of users liked it
(70,752 ratings)
Balto is an animated trifle, based loosely on a true story from the 1920s, that may offer some amusement for young children. A live-action intro and outro set the stage for the story of Balto (voiced by Kevin Bacon), a stray who's half dog and half wolf, who is shunned as a half-breed outcast by… More Balto is an animated trifle, based loosely on a true story from the 1920s, that may offer some amusement for young children. A live-action intro and outro set the stage for the story of Balto (voiced by Kevin Bacon), a stray who's half dog and half wolf, who is shunned as a half-breed outcast by both humans and his own kind. Balto does have some friends, like the goose Boris (Bob Hoskins) and two polar bears named Muk and Luk (Phil Collins), but he is particularly resented by canine pack leader Steele (Jim Cummings), with whom he is competing for the affections of Jenna (Bridget Fonda). He eventually becomes a hero when he guides a medication-carrying sled to a townful of sick kids in the wilds of Alaska. The film features a number of positive messages (subtlety is not its strong point), but it may not feature enough humor or excitement to keep anyone but the very smallest viewers engrossed. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi
- Directed By
- Simon Wells
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Animation, Kids & Family
- In Theaters
- Dec 22, 1995 Wide
- Studio
- MCA Universal Home Video
Critic Reviews
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Susan Wloszczyna, USA Today
The love story is pure mush, not helped by the bland voice work done by Kevin Bacon as Balto and Bridget Fonda as dainty husky Jenna.
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Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Brave dog saves kids in adequate fact-based film.
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
An Alaskan dog who gets a chance to demonstrate his courage and creativity on a mission of mercy.
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Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Unassuming and enjoyable animated adventure.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Kevin Bacon
as Balto
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Bob Hoskins
as Boris
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Lola Bates-Campbell
as Granddaughter
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Bridget Fonda
as Jenna
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Jim Cummings
as Steele
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Phil Collins
as Luk, Muk
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Miriam Margolyes
as Grandma Rosy
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Jack Angel
as Nikki
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Bill Bailey
as Butcher
- Jim Carter
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Sandra Dickinson
as Dixie, Rosy's Mother, Sylive
- Brendan Fraser
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Garick Hagon
as Telegraph Operator
- Michael J. Shannon
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Donald Sinden
as Doc
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Robbie Rist
as Star
- Jennifer Blanc
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Danny Mann
as Kaltag
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Juliette Brewer
as Rosy
- Christine Cavanaugh
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William Roberts
as Rosy's Father



