“Dory” is darling!

Swimming into Cinemas on June 17, 2016
Flying Time: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Rated PG for mild thematic elements.
Directed By: Andrew Stanton & Angus MacLane
Grade: B

“The Best Things Happen by Chance”

Finding Dory reunites the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish with her loved ones, and everyone learns a few things about the true meaning of family along the way. The all-new big-screen adventure opens 13 years after the smash hit Finding Nemo which not only won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, but was nominated for three additional awards, including best original screenplay.  Finding Nemo was the second highest grossing film in 2003 with box office gross of $936.7 million.

“I Know You Are Scared, but Just Keep Swimming”

Pixar and Disney team up again with returning director and screenwriter Andrew Stanton to bring us Finding Dory, a lively, fun and comedic film for all ages. Once again Stanton creates magic with wonderful animation, vibrant colors and engaging characters. Ellen DeGeneres voices Dory, the wide-eyed, regal blue tang fish who suffers from memory loss. This is the story of her journey as she slowly remembers bits and pieces of her early years, including something about “the jewel of Morro Bay, California”.  Accompanied by Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence), she embarks on an epic adventure to find her parents Charlie and Jenny.  Her travels take her from the Great Barrier Reef to the Monterey Marine Life Institute.  Dory makes new friends with Hank (Ed O’Neill) the ill-tempered octopus and Bailey (Ty Burrell) the beluga whale.  She is also reunited with long lost friend Destiny (Kaitlin Olson) a whale shark.

What Would Dory Do?

Although not as good as its predecessor, Finding Dory brings joy and laughter, along with some heartwarming scenes.  As with most Disney films, there are plenty of educational messages throughout the film.  Major themes surrounding ocean life, conservation versus exhibition and ecology. I also learned that an octopus has three hearts. Other messages include the values of family and friendship. Perseverance and never giving up play an important role in this animated production that is sure to be a summer hit, putting Disney well over $2 billion at the box office.  Dive into theaters this weekend and explore the extraordinary world under the sea.  ~A.S. MacLeod

Starring:

Ellen DeGeneres as Dory

Albert Brooks as Marlin

Ed O’Neill as Hank

Kaitlin Olson as Destiny

Hayden Rolence as Nemo

Ty Burrell as Bailey

Diane Keaton as Jenny

Eugene Levy as Charlie

Andrew Stanton as Crush

Idris Elba as Fluke

Dominic West as Rudder

Bob Peterson as Mr. Ray