Review: Finding Dory (2016)

Finding Dory stands as a rapturously moving, deeply heartfelt sequel to one of Pixar's best films, and, while building on the structure and characters of the previous film, manages to take itself in new directions, without ever loosing the endearing sense of heart and soul, and the message of family that defined Finding Nemo.

Beautifully directed by Andrew Stanton (who also wrote the story, and co-wrote the screenplay), Finding Dory moves along at a breezy, gentle pace, like an old friend taking you to a brand new location, giving you time to see the sights, without ever boring you. The story itself is deceptively simple: Suddenly struck by memories of her own lost parents (Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton), Dory, our favorite memory impaired fish, once more voiced expertly by Ellen DeGeneres, sets out across the Pacific Ocean and finds herself in a marine facility/aquarium in California that was once her home, where she runs across an array of new characters, while Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence) search the aquarium for her. From the twitchy, brusque octopus Hank (Ed O'Neill), to the kindly, short sighted whale shark Destiny (Kaitlin Olson), next door neighbor to echolocation deprived Beluga whale Bailey (Ty Burrell), the new characters fit perfectly into the film, and are all instantly lovable and relatable. Everyone's performances, especially DeGeneres, who practically carries the entire film on her own, are spot on and filled with vigor and emotion, and make the characters feel completely fleshed out.

The deeply moving, dreamlike score by Thomas Newman once more proves his utter mastery of the genre. Able to perfectly blend original Finding Nemo themes with a wealth of new themes, it ebbs and flows just like the ocean, and helps further deepen the immense heart this film has.

Speaking of heart, the inner message of the power of family, and how no matter what, they'll always be there for us, is beautifully executed. Add to that subtle, insightful parallels on those with any sort of disabilities, and how, even in spite of the struggles they may face, they can accomplish beautiful and amazing things, is so important. The film never talks down to its audience in the slightest, and Dory's memory problems are treated with respect, offering a road for comedy, but never mockery or spite. Instead, the humor comes not from Dory forgetting, but rather her own blessed optimism and can-do attitude, and that, even when the universe seems to be working against her, she'll still keep on swimming, and, like all of those who press forwards in the face of adversity, be awarded with complete and total victory over that adversity, and reap those wonderful benefits.

An important, vital message for both the young and the old.

So, suffice to say, Finding Dory is a pure, deeply emotional and heartfelt film. It takes us on a wondrous, fully realized journey, and fills our souls with the joy of what can be accomplished despite incredible odds.

5 out of 5 stars.