Finding Nemo (Movie Review)

Almost 9 years later and this movie still looks every bit as stunning as it did in 2003. This was the movie that finally managed to wrestle the title of highest grossing animated movie from the mighty paws of The Lion King, a more than worthy predecessor. And we had to wait 9 years for that to happen too. Sadly, it didn't get to hold on to that title for more than a year, before being forced to relinquish it to a less than worthy successor. *cough* Shrek 2 *cough*

Finding Nemo is a family adventure that tells the story of an overprotective clownfish father (Marlin) trying to rescue his son (Nemo) who was captured by a scuba diver. The story is told from both points of view, and we learn that Nemo had been taken to a dentist's office somewhere in Sydney, Australia, where he is kept in an aquarium. There he meets with an interesting cast of characters, and begins to formulate an escape plan.

Meanwhile, Marlin is prepared to scour the ocean in search of his son. And the only clue he has to go by is a diving mask left behind by the scuba diver. He joins forces with a fish suffering from short-term memory loss named Dory, who not only claims she can read the address written on the mask, but that she knows how to get there as well. So together they set off to "find" Nemo, coming across another set of interesting characters, including three vegetarian sharks and a surfer-dude turtle.

Dory is by and large my favorite animated character of all time. She is simultaneously annoying and lovable. Only a great talent like Ellen DeGeneres could bring this character to life, and I am surprised that she hasn't gotten or taken on any similar voice acting roles ever since. She more than stole the show in this movie as far as I'm concerned. I simply cannot imagine a Finding Nemo without her in it.

Pixar has been on a winning streak these past 9 years (not counting Cars 2 of course). They've given us back-to-back instant classics like The Incredibles, Ratatouille, WALL-E and Up. But Finding Nemo still manages to retain its status as one of the finer movies to come out of their stable.