Helmed by animation vets and first-time feature directors Byron Howard and Chris Williams, BOLT benefits from executive producer John Lasseter's sterling Pixar touch, often echoing themes of that beloved company's canon, particularly 1995's groundbreaking TOY STORY. Although BOLT doesn't quite hit Pixar heights, it stands out as one of Disney's best early-21st-century offerings, thanks in large part to its title character, who is beautifully rendered and endearingly portrayed by Travolta. A fun movie that will particularly delight elementary-school children, BOLT is excellent family fare and easily one of the finest dog-themed films in cinema history.