Balto II: Wolf Quest

Reviewed by: Rick Wassall
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating:	Very Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:	Kids
Genre:	Family Animation
Length:	1 hr. 15 min.
Year of Release:	2002
USA Release:

Featuring	voices of Maurice LaMarche, Jodi Benson, Lacey Chabert, David Carradine, Mark Hamill, Charles Fleischer, Peter MacNicol, Rob Paulsen
Director	Phil Weinstein
Producer
Distributor	Argentina Video Home

Prequel: “Balto” (1995)

This is an extremely disappointing direct-to-video release. Following the much-better “Balto”, a wonderful story of courage and determination where the main character overcomes the adversity of being half-dog and half-wolf to emerge as hero, this sequel features Balto’s daughter. It seems she has inherited more of Balto’s “wolf qualities” than his other pups. The “Wolf Quest” referred to in the title is her search for who she really is, since she can’t relate to being a dog.

While there is no profanity, sex or graphic violence, a strong emphasis on new-age philosophy is present. Balto is haunted by dreams that turn out to be “visions” from his “spirit guide.” His daughter has her own spirit guide, a cute little mouse. The head of the wolf pack is able to disappear at will and “become one” with the things of nature around him. There are positive aspects, such as the family bond that develops between Balto and his daughter, but it can’t overcome the weird spiritual message that permeates the film. I strongly suggest you skip “Balto II”.

Neutral

Neutral—I respect your opinion Rick Wassall, but if any Christian feels like watching this movie, ignore the Earth Worship—but it is actually Native American stuff in the film, again, IRYO Rick Wassall.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3

Pierce Miller, age 18 (USA)

Negative

Negative—I concur with the review—I wish we’d read it before purchasing the tape. We bought it for our son’s birthday, and were flabbergasted by the overt new-age mysticism from beginning to end. I’m taking it back to Wal-Mart to see if they will give credit, and if not it goes in the trash. I wouldn’t consider reselling it, or giving it away—I might as well pass out Shirley McClain books.
My Ratings: [Extremely Offensive / 2]

Jon Sanders, age 41

Negative—I loved the first movie of Balto (part 1), but this one was WAY off! My brother got this film for Easter last year and we watched it together and I was very shocked to find out how saturated in New-Age Philosophy and mysticism it was! This was definitely NOT like the first Balto. I felt uncomfortable watching it and left to go read a book in my room. We should have sold it. I don’t recommend this movie to anyone, especially kids. I was disappointed and appalled!
My Ratings: [Very Offensive / 3]

Syntarsus, age 19