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Finding Dory |review| (2016)

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A1 | (9/10)|***1/2

There's no doubt that Pixar's "Finding Nemo" is an undisputed modern classic, and one of their best works. The animation is astounding, even by today's standards, the story is fresh and the characters and script joyous. Not to mention the score by Thomas Newman, which, along with Horner's Titanic score, is quintessentially oceanic? The only true flaw with "Finding Nemo", is the preachiness that is part and parcel of Pixar films, but that does not detract from such an amazing film.



Still, despite the now legendary status of the Oscar winning "Nemo", nothing about the film screamed "sequel." It ended nice and happy, and rather bittersweet, with all ends tied and a "the end" title card – what else was there to tell? Well, apparently, Andrew Stanton felt there was more to the story; in particular, Dory's story. Thus, Finding Dory was born, a film nobody (other than Ellen DeGeneres) asked for, but one that many seem to be glad for.



Finding Dory takes place a year after the events of the first movie; Dory lives in a shell next to Marlin and Nemo's anemone; everyone seems to be fond of our forgetful friend, but it's painfully obvious, to both us and Dory, that her disability drains those around her. Dory, bless her, tries to take it all in stride, keeping her happy go lucky attitude. That's until she starts remembering segments of her younger years, with her parents. Of course, she is desperate to find them, and Marlin, understanding what it's like to miss family, goes with her and Nemo to California. It is here in California, that Dory finds herself swept away to a marine rehabilitation centre, where she tries to find her parents with the help of Hank, a snarky septopus, Bailey, a concussed Beluga, and Destiny, the visually impaired Whale Shark, who taught Dory how to speak whale many moons ago. Meanwhile, Marlin and Nemo are trying to get into the centre to find Dory and get into their own adventures along the way.



The most important and pressing question is as follows; is Finding Dory any good? Yes, it's more than good. It's a visual wonder, with a quick script and masterful comic timing. It looks as lush and engrossing as the original Finding Nemo, with Pixar making their own unique tweaks so that it won't go into the Uncanny Valley. The detail in the world is astounding; the way the sun shines through the water, how the sand moves when nudged. The atmosphere is palpable; there are numerous scenes where characters are lost in vast forests of seaweed, and it feels just as claustrophobic as it sounds. There's one instance where a character has something of a panic attack, and, as someone with anxiety, the animators managed to capture that moment in a way that I never thought possible. The technical merits of Finding Dory go beyond that of the original, especially in terms of one character; Hank. It took the Pixar team years to figure out how to animate Hank, and boy God, their work paid off. He is a marvel of animation; his texture, his movements, his expressive eyes that make up for his hidden mouth. Hank is one of the best CGI animated characters next to Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon. If the animators who worked on him don't get an Annie award I'll lose my shell.



Speaking of Hank, he's a wonderful character, whose grumpy idiosyncrasies goe perfectly with Dory's peppy quips, which is a relief, since we spend most of our time with them, as Hank transports her around the centre in a coffee mug. That's an understatement; how these two get around is part of what makes this film so laugh out loud funny. Yes, it does get ridiculous, but that helps soften the blow of the film's heavy themes, which I'll get to. The other characters are great, too. Bailey and Destiny have a great repore, and Ty Burrell proves again that he has a knack for voice acting (even if one can only see Phil from Modern Family, I assure you that there is no better person for the part of this confused Beluga). Aside from Hank, Bailey was my favourite character; his witty responses and gleeful, over the top exclamations, as well as his relationship with Destiny, is part of what makes this film so memorable. There are also the sea lions and the common loons; two sea lions, Rudder and Fluke, help Nemo and Marlin get into the centre, with the assistance of a peculiar loon named Becky. These two are fun, and gorgeously textured, but the real scene stealer is Gerald, the outcast sea lion.Some have given out about Gerald's purpose in the film; with its message about learning to accept yourself and see your strengths, regardless of our disabilities and how others see us, while the comic relief portion has a mentally challenged sea lion getting bullied. Personally, as someone with disabilities, I found these scenes hilarious, because of Gerald himself; he's such a likable, dorky presence. Those other sea lions don't know what their missing out on. Besides, I have a feeling that Gerald is a lot smarter than Rudder and Fluke perceive him to be (oh, and Becky is just as amazing as Gerald).



The only weak link in the characters is Marlin and Nemo; they're strong in their own right,but other than enforcing the films message (and title), they haven't much of a presence. Yes, there are cameos, but they are brief.



This is going to shock many, and may be rather blasphemous, but here goes nothing; this film touched me more than "Finding Nemo" did. Speaking as someone with dyspraxia and rOCD, I know what it's like to live with difficulties, to see how my life has been affected by them, and how it affects others. I love people with disabilities, and I see how it affects their lives. I see how my condition affects my parents. There are three parts of this movie that got to me; two involved baby Dory (who is the cutest thing ever), where Dory apologizes for messing everything up due to her condition, and waking up to see her mother cry and not understanding why. The third is when Dory accomplishes something in her own way, despite what others think. When I got home from this film, I cried. I have never before seen disability portrayed in a film so well before. So tastefully, with such compassion and sensitivity. The character that was once the butt of jokes is now a tragic, relatable one. Dory's parents are the prime example of what the parents of a child with difficulties should be; kind, patient, caring and human. You see their love, and feel their pain. I have never seen such a sensitive area being handled so well, in a family film, no less. Not only that, the message of doing things in your own way, all the while acknowledging your disorder, but utilizing your strengths, and not giving a damn what others think, is an impotent message for both children with disabilities and their parents to know, and learn, and to keep learning.



"Finding Dory" is a great film in its own right, but what is says about disabilities and how to deal with them, speaks to me and to parents like mine. It's a must watch for everyone, especially those with any sort of disability, so we can just keep swimming.



P.S. The film fits perfectly with the original; remember when Dory says,s "where are they?" in regards to her family? That's all you need to know.



All opinions are my own.

Finding Dory (c) Pixar
© 2016 - 2024 AilC-94
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