Finding Dory (2016)

Review

97min

Genre:       Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family

Directors:   Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane

Cast:         Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill…and more

Writers:     Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane, Victoria Strouse…more

-Synopsis-

One year after helping “Marlin” find his son “Nemo” and with her capricious memory jogged; our favourite forgetful blue tang embarks on her own ocean-spanning adventure to discover her origins and learn a few life-lessons, with the help of our two favourite clownfish of course in this long-awaited sequel to 2003’s hit ‘Finding Nemo’.

It’s difficult to believe that it took 13 years to wrangle up a follow-up to such a beloved and successful animation, particularly when you consider an industry has become so reliant on sequels in the meantime. But as star and “Dory” herself Ellen DeGeneres has repeatedly stated, it’s taken constant nagging and her influence as queen of American daytime TV to get Disney/Pixar and ‘Finding Nemo’ writer/director Andrew Stanton on board for this feel-good summer sequel.

As far as recent major sequels and reboots go ‘Finding Dory’ is certainly up with the best of them, which may not be saying that much but at least it lives up to a legacy and doesn’t need to justify its existence. Stanton & co. have managed to recreate the successful elements of ‘Finding Nemo’ without it feeling too recycled.

You can expect a narrative which is consistently funny and charming delivered by an array of TV & film talent; featuring adorable big-eyed characters with the cuteness dial turned up to 11, in a story which expertly tugs on your heartstrings while delivering a sanitized but hearwarming message about family and belonging… all brought across through beautifully rendered animation from the folks at Pixar.

There’s no doubt DeGeneres is the star of the show, expertly delivering comedy lines and bringing a touching humanity to a character who discovers that her condition has separated her from parents in a Californian aquarium across the ocean. She’s supported by an array of vocal talents who hilariously bring to life all manner of diverse ocean-dwelling characters, but for us Ed O’Neill steals the show as “Hank” the dexterous and grumpy octopus with a heart of gold… or three.

In reference to Dory’s short-term memory loss, many commentators have described ‘Finding Dory’ as an allegory for the struggles of people living with dementia, just as likely it could be highlighting the effects of brain trauma, or it could just be a children’s film about a forgetful fish.

There’s no doubt however that this is another Disney film in a long line of animations with a easily palatable moral story for children; in this case an uplifting if slightly over-sweetened message about inclusivity and turning one’s shortcomings into the strength which defines them, not to mention the usual “socially conscious” message about family and friendship.

‘Finding Dory’ may not be the most multi-layered Disney or Pixar film in recent years and doesn’t quite reach the heights of films like ‘Inside Out’ and ‘Big Hero 6’; but considering the slew of disappointing sequels & reboots in the years since ‘Finding Nemo’, this is still a crowd-pleasing and entertaining  comedy animation which more than does justice to the original.

The Bottom Line…

Family fun packed with adorable cuteness; ‘Finding Dory’ is yet another meticulously crafted and thoroughly enjoyable if not the most memorable Disney/Pixar collaboration, Ellen DeGeneres and friends will tickle your funny bone and tug at your heartstrings on the way to actually giving sequels a good name.

Similar films you may like (Home Video)

The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

In a film about what your pets get up to when you’re not around; a newly mismatched pair of city dogs are thrown into a dangerous New York adventure as their fellow fluffy neighbourhood pets try to rescue them, in a family animation adventure from the makers of ‘Despicable Me’ and ‘Minions’.

Directed by  Yarrow Cheney & Chris Renaud and starring Louis C.K., Jenny Slate and Kevin Hart among others.

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