Finding Nemo (June 17, 2016)

This film became the second Pixar movie to gross $1 Billion after Toy Story 3, the third highest grossing film of 2016. It also set numerous box office records including the biggest opening for an animated film in North America and the highest-grossing animated film in North America, both at the time of release (it has been eclipsed by The Lion King (2019) and The Incredibles 2, respectively). The plot focuses on the amnesiac fish Dory, who journeys to be reunited with her parents. I want to begin by stating that I do not like Dory. I find her annoying and irritating. So, seeing this film, devoted to her, was my worst nightmare. For that reason, I have been dreading re-watching this film, but I had a small hope that perhaps this time around I would enjoy the film more, as it has been highly praised by critics. However, that was not the case. If anything, my dislike for her has only grown with age. Besides my problem with the character I also have issues with the plot itself (which will include major spoilers!) Pixar did not have the guts to kill off Dory’s parents- I really wish they would have. It would have given the story more emotional weight and allowed Dory to move on with potentially a new family (Marlin and Nemo or the other Blue Tangs). There really are no consequences in this film. Dory finds her family with the help of new friends and everyone lives. This makes the film unbelievably dull, despite its attempts at action. Even the threat of moving to Cleveland, the only potential cause of conflict in the film, does not seem so bad- it is one of the best aquariums, although it is inland, and they would be taken well care of. Dory’s parents, as characters, are pretty bland. They seem to be nice parents but that is really their only personality trait. Nemo has become a brat and no-it-all, constantly back talking his father, Marlin. Marlin has mellowed out after his adventure in the first film (though this sequel does not seem to take place long after the original) and, as such, is actually likable. The new additions, Destiny the whale shark, Hank, the octopus, and Bailey, a beluga whale range from likable to irritating but are, overall, interesting and play off Dory well. Overall, Finding Dory is a boring, but beautifully animated, film. It is basically a rehash of the original’s separation and reunite plot with less danger and virtually zero stakes. I am incredulous at how this film could have grossed as much as it did and I hope, despite this success, it is the last film in the Finding Nemo franchise.

Final rating 4/10