After 13 long-awaited years, Pixar and Walt Disney Pictures have released the highly anticipated “Finding Nemo” sequel, “Finding Dory.” Within these past few years, Disney has created sequels and prequels to early 2000s Pixar classics. I was initially skeptical when I heard about the film because of the original movie’s success and popularity. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised, but like Dory’s short-term memory loss, the film is rather forgettable.
Ellen DeGeneres excels in the film as Dory, a blue tang fish who embarks on an adventure to find her parents. DeGeneres’ character supplies plenty of laughter, but fails to pull heartstrings like “Finding Nemo” did. The movie features flashbacks and references to the original film, which creates nostalgia within viewers. Pixar attempted to reach the emotional level of the original, but this attempt did not even compare to the tear-jerking ride that is “Finding Nemo.”
The film consistently delivers a comical, heartwarming and a thought-provoking theme. The sequel does not stray too far from the original movie’s theme, which is learning to embrace and cope with disabilities. Nemo learns to overcome adversity despite his special fin, while Dory embraces her memory condition. The shared storyline creates a nice emotional affect but results in a rather weak, familiar plot.
The film itself is an animation miracle. Disney and Pixar have come a long way since the release of “Finding Nemo,” and this sequel displays their technological advancements in animation. For instance, the film features Hank, a strong-willed septopus, and is considered one of Pixar’s most difficult characters to create. The vividly detailed new characters make this movie visually appealing.
Although the sequel did not compare to the original, the movie still promises a good time to any Disney fan. This film might even give young adults two hours to relive the glory days of their childhoods. If you are expecting to be more impressed with “Finding Dory,” then you might want to lower your expectations. Unlike “Toy Story 3”, the film does not offer a completion of Nemo’s story. However, the highly anticipated sequel still gives Disney fans a chance to fall in love with “Finding Nemo” all over again.
