Balto III: Wings of Change

This week's most surprising animation pick is Balto III: Wings of Change. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 363 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Maurice LaMarche brings more to the role than the format usually demands. Start it whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Balto III: Wings of Change is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. Balto III: Wings of Change treats animation as a medium, not a limitation. Balto and the other sled dogs are feeling dejected because the mail that used to be delivered by dogsled is now being delivered by airplanes. But when a mail plane crashes in the mountains, the dogs come to the rescue. Maurice LaMarche and Jodi Benson bring more to it than the format typically demands. Balto III: Wings of Change came out in 2004. The animation style is distinctive enough to be immediately recognisable, but it is the writing underneath that keeps viewers coming back for more. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but Balto III: Wings of Change works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Maurice LaMarche brings more to the role than the format usually demands. A harder one to justify skipping than to start.

Balto III: Wings of Change was released in 2004, directed by Phil Weinstein. The full 78-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.