When Finding Nemo was released back in 2003, it was a universally acclaimed smash hit. Being the seventh highest grossing animated movie of all time, this classic family adventure featuring that well-known orange and white striped fish, had the hallmarks of success written all over it. The adorable characters, great supporting cast and tight narrative were a joy to behold and another treasure issued from the golden vault that is Pixar Studios. The character of Dory, a forgetful yet likeable regal blue tang, provided for several amusing moments throughout and thus a strong supporting role in Finding Nemo. But was her presence enough to warrant Dory starring in her very own movie and ultimately sequel to this precious, endearing masterpiece?
One year after the events of the first movie, Dory (reprised by Ellen Degeneres) is now living with Nemo (voiced by Haylen Rolence) and his father Marlin (voiced again by Albert Brooks). After a series of vague flashbacks involving fleeting visions of her parents, Dory heads off in search of them accompanied by the loyal duo of Nemo and Marlin. And so our brand new adventure begins. So, armed with nothing more but the dubious memory of Dory and a bucketful of hope, will she ever be once again reunited with the family she'd lost all those years ago?
Given how well-received the original was and the unblemished track record from the animation gods themselves, Pixar certainly had their work cut out. But sometimes a safer approach lies in keeping with the same formula that worked so well in the past. So that is exactly what the studio execs decided upon and therefore we have ourselves another "family hunt", so to speak. Although this time around it's our main protagonist that needs the rescuing. Reason being that this movie has heart whilst knowing not to stray too far from it's "oh-so-solid" roots. Watching the hapless team go in search of a cause that has the odds so firmly stacked against them, has you willing them on every step (or swim?) of the way. I did find myself quite emotionally invested in the movie. As you'd expect, there are times where the trio do get separated, mostly due to the innocent negligence on Dory's* part, which in turn leads to them meeting the rest of the supporting cast. By far, that is my favourite part of the movie. Of particular noteworthiness is a floppy, wriggling, eight-tentacled octopus named Hank (voiced by Ed O'Neil) whom I just adored. Very funny and extremely charismatic, I only wish that he could get to headline his own stand-alone movie someday. As I mentioned, the calibre and variety of "friends" Dory and her adoptive family come across along the way, are memorable and add volumes to the enjoyment to be had from this delightful movie.
Another huge plus are the "improved" visuals from the first movie, that in of itself were also of an extremely high standard. Fast, flowing action sequences intermingled with wide, sweeping shots of the sea and underwater terrain, are high-grade eye candy. Further confirmation (if any was needed) that the team heading up Pixar are truly the benchmark against which everything else is set. The main story, as is always the case and not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination, is fast and frantic. "Blink or you'll miss it" is the order of the day here. Yet because of the tightly compacted script and clever mix of on-screen character timeshare, you hardly feel the running time at all. It's all creative genius at it's best and all ties in nicely together to make one hell of a ride.
Now, if there were any negatives, this would be a tough call for me. Not because there aren't any, but just on a contextual basis. I'll elaborate. Dory being the main protagonist soon grated on my nerves. Which is a shame because all the other characters were so well rounded and affable. Being as "forgetful" a fish as she was, you found her literally stumbling into conveniently placed procedural story-lines "by accident". The inconsequential nature of these events admittedly took me out a little. Add to that the fact that most of the movie was spent having her two companions chasing her around, frequently almost into the jaws of death itself and you feel a level of frustration with Dory as a main character start to set in. Now, on the other hand, I understand I am by no means the overarching target audience for this flick so I'm only going to assume a child would gloss over such concerns. I feel for an adult, it may not work "quite" as well as it could have, given the slightly more overall childish nature than the last. And that sadly runs in stark contrast to most other Pixar productions I can think of.
Though all things taken into consideration, there are plenty more positives to be taken away from Finding Dory. The fast pace at which it moves along only goes to help, instead of hinder, this movie. For me however, it's the astounding visuals and great supporting cast are the show stealers here. Because without their welcome presence, the film would be nowhere near as good as it is. Finding Dory is not as good as the original, but comes in as a more-than-decent instalment to the franchise. Well worth a relaxing watch on a lazy, Sunday afternoon.
