Finding Dory (English) Review {3.5/5} & Review Rating
Back in 2003, the Disney - Pixar film FINDING NEMO hit screens and was welcomed with open arms by kids and parents alike. The film which told the tale of a father-son relationship that touched emotional chords among the audience was well received. Now years on, we see the release of the film FINDING DORY which is a sequel of sorts to the 2003 film. But will the film live up to its predecessor is the question. Pixar Animation Studios that has been credited for films like TOY STORY, THE INCREDIBLES, BRAVE, WALL E, UP and a host of others has become known for developing films that cater not just to the kids but also to adults. Replete with entertaining visuals, well-hidden Easter eggs and social messages, each of their films have worked wonders at the box-office. With the latest release FINDING DORY, Pixar attempts to recreate the magic of its previous films at the box office. But will this new venture helmed by Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane live up to expectation is what we analyse.
FINDING DORY starts off following the story of Dory a little blue fish in a vast ocean who suffers from short term memory loss. Faced with the challenges of life in the open seas surrounded by pitfalls everywhere, Dory has an uphill task of surviving the harsh realities. But, Dory's parents, Jenny and Charlie make it their life goal to educate and help Dory memorise whatever they can. However, fate has different plans for them, separating Dory from her parents; the little fish is swept out to the open ocean far from the protective care of her parents. There, lost among the multitude, Dory struggles to find her bearings, unable to remember where she came from and where she has to go. In her travels Dory meets Marlin and Nemo, the clown fish father and son duo, who accompany her on all her expeditions while constantly keeping a watchful eye on her. Years, after meeting the clown fish, Dory has passing visions of a lifelong past, which brings back memories of her parents. Making up her mind to find them, Dory sets off across the ocean with Marlin and Nemo, but gets separated as they progress. From here on begins Marlin and Nemo's hunt to find Dory, while Dory herself searches for her parents.
Pixar has been known for making sequels that more than live up to the original, save for a few (MONSTERS UNIVERSITY and CARS 2) that didn't quite make the cut. With FINDING DORY, Pixar seems to have regained their footing, making a film that lives up to the original. While the ocean has always been fascinating to children, Pixar has managed to bring life to the multitude of creatures that call this blue domain their home. In fact the makers have developed a brilliant work of art with life like animation, detailed underwater creature and emotionally charged moments sprinkled with rib tickling gags.
Coming to the characters, Pixar has done well with the old ones as well as with the new characters that have been introduced. Giving each of them a memorable yet funny background, the makers of the film have managed to make each character relatable, funny and enjoyable. Besides this, unlike in CARS 2 where the viewer became unattached to the main story line, in FINDING DORY the viewer actually cares for Dory's journey. Bringing in a nostalgic feeling from the previous film, the makers have also added segments that tug the emotional chords while at the same time dishing out some valuable life lessons. The voice cast of the film comprising of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O'Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Hayden Rolence, Ty Burrell and others have done an equally good job of giving life to the animated characters.
On the whole, FINDING DORY does not disappoint. With funny moments that hit their mark, strong emotional currents, valuable social lessons packaged in an entertaining visually stunning film, it does manage to live up to the expectation as the FINDING NEMO sequel. All in all, FINDING DORY is a spectacular visual treat from Pixar. Highly recommend!