u/amitythree

What counts as "unpopular" is subjective, of course. I'll start!

• I genuinely find it hard to take either of the sequels seriously 😭 Fair enough to anyone who enjoys them because you are clearly stronger than me.
• We don't need a fourth film, and we certainly don't need a remake.
• The White Wolf, as a character and as a scene, is more powerful, poignant and meaningful when the character has no relation to Balto. Aniu is the worst thing about the first sequel for me. It takes that scene and what that moment means to Balto and waters it down to something completely artless. For shame Balto 2 team, for shame 😔
• While I love Balto's character design and character arc -- basically everything about him -- I don't think Kevin Bacon does the character justice. I have come around to his performance in later years, and can appreciate what he added to the character, but I do think it's too subdued for its own good.
• Boris is the superior sidekick, but Muk and Luk aren't that bad. They earn their place in the story when you realise that their arc mirrors Balto's! They're also orphans, and only discover who they are and what they can do once they leave the safety of Nome and its periphery and journey into the wild.
• Steele's animation and its complete lack of subtlety are perfect; no notes, understood the assignment. I personally think this criticism might not exist if Balto had a stronger VA to try to match Jim Cummings' energy!

Have to admit I haven't tuned into much of his work, but I've been replaying this score ever since I watched it yesterday morning. The opening title theme is a fun tone-setter but my favourite tracks are "What A Carnival Is" and "Remembering Hurts". There's a very delicate and poignant motif repeated in those, connected to Hugh Jackman's murdered shepherd character. (I'll say no more!)

Finding it very ironic that I'm unable to get through to anyone at the store lol. Due to a faulty battery, Google has offered me a free "repair" (Pixel 6a battery swap) at this specific store. A quick nosy at their website says that repairs typically need to be booked but this was specified as a walk-in service. I'm not local so ideally would like to know ahead of time if I'm likely to have this done on the day or not!