Finding Dory Movie Review

Reviewed by Lynn Barker on Jun 17, 2016

Rating:

In Finding Dory, the forgetful little Blue Tang fish remembers her parents. Now if she can just remember her childhood and where they are. Check out Kidzworld’s movie review!

By: Lynn Barker

In Finding Dory, it is six months after the events of Finding Nemo. Dory suddenly recalls a few childhood memories. Remembering something about "the jewel of Morro Bay, California", accompanied by Nemo and his dad Marlin, she sets out to find her family. She arrives at the Marine Life Institute, where she meets Bailey, a white beluga whale; Destiny, a whale shark and Hank, an octopus, who becomes her guide and friend.

Marlin and Dory face an open ocean menaceCourtesy of Disney•Pixar

I Have Parents!

One year has passed since Nemo (voice of Hayden Rolence) was rescued by Dory (Ellen Degeneres) and his overprotective dad Marlin (Albert Brooks). Dory is still their pal and they are used to her forgetful nature. She suddenly can’t deny a feeling that her parents Jenny (Diane Keaton) and Charlie (Eugene Levy) are out there somewhere waiting for her.

Dory's parents Jenny and CharlieCourtesy of Disney•Pixar

Marlin with turtle CrushCourtesy of Disney•Pixar

The Undertow

Someone mentions the “undertow” and it triggers a memory in which mom and dad taught Dory to avoid it. She knows she got separated from them unwillingly. She remembers something about California and, with Marlin along and with help again from the turtles who ride the California current, they end up in front of the Marine Life Institute where poor Dory gets scooped up by some kids in a boat. (“Oh No. Not again!” says Marlin).

Hank carries Dory around in a bucket of waterCourtesy of Disney•Pixar

At the Institute

The kids give Dory to the “hospital” at the Marine Life Institute where spokeswoman Sigourney Weaver tells us the mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release. In the many colorful aquariums are many species of marine life stared at in wonder by families. In various tanks and environs, Dory meets Hank an octopus who has lost a tentacle, Bailey, a Beluga whale, Destiny, a shark whale who can barely see and two wacky sea lions.

Bailey the whale tries to use his sound echo systemCourtesy of Disney•Pixar

Toward a reunion

Dory’s learns that her parents ended up in the hospital section looking for her but that was years ago. If Dory can follow directions on how to get there through a series of pipes, they might still be there or someone might know where they ended up. Of course her memory loss makes getting there hard and it might take several adventures both inside and outside the Institute for Dory and her friends before she and her folks are finally reunited.

Destiny the whale shark greets DoryCourtesy of Disney•Pixar

Dory is teaching assistant to Mr. RayCourtesy of Disney•Pixar

Wrapping Up

Remember Dory from Finding Nemo? She might not remember you but she’ll figure it out. Little short-term memory-challenged Dory thinks on her feet…uh fins and she is great at getting herself and friends out of trouble because nothing seems too challenging for her. There is always a way. It’s a nice lesson we should all learn. When things get tough just keep swimming.

Hank helps Dory move from tank to tankCourtesy of Disney•Pixar

Finding Dory is beautifully animated…more so than Finding Nemo way back in 2003. It also looks great in 3D. Voice actors do a wonderful job, the story is a match for filmgoers of all ages as Dory meets a whole menagerie of new animals on her journey and there is a great theme convincing us that despite so-called handicaps (Dory has memory loss, her new friends Destiny and Bailey are challenged with poor sight and an inability to use God-given, built-in sonar), anyone can work out a way to do what is necessary in life. Love it!

Sea lions Rudder and Fluke with Nemo and MarlinCourtesy of Disney•Pixar

Dory’s continual inability to remember anything wears a little thin after a while but overall, just nothing really negative to say about this new film from Disney/Pixar. We go five stars.

Hank points the way to a trapped DoryCourtesy of Disney•Pixar

Also showing with Dory is an adorable Pixar short film called Piper about a baby sandpiper risking the big waves to learn how to feed himself. Most adorable bird I've ever seen. Amazing animation as well!