Finding Nemo (2003)

Plot: Marlin is a clownfish who is overprotective of his son, Nemo. A barracuda ate Marlin's wife and their eggs. Nemo was the only surviving egg. He has a smaller fin, due to an injury to his egg from the attack. This makes Marlin doubt Nemo's abilities to swim and his abilities in general. During a field trip, Nemo disobeys his father and swims off the reef and to a boat. Nemo is captured by a scuba diver. While searching for Nemo, Marlin meets Dory, a good-hearted and optimistic but slightly naive Regal tang with short-term memory loss. While searching for Nemo, they encounter vegetarian sharks, turtles, seagulls, whales, jellyfish and so much more. Meanwhile, Nemo is now in the tank at a dentist's office. He encounters a variety of captured sea animals, desperate to escape. It turns out Nemo is the birthday gift for the dentist's niece, who killed her birthday fish last year by shaking the bag too much. Will Marlin and Dory find Nemo before it's too late?

Review: Pixar can honestly do no wrong. Pixar I think is one of few studios whose films get better and better. And this is no exception. It's probably one of Pixar's bests.

The plot is pretty general, but what I love is that it is relatable to an extent. Having overprotective parents and wanting to be your own person but you're being held back. The film also has a great blend of humor and drama. There is a lot of kids humor, but a good amount for older kids and adults too.

Dory, who's voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, is for me the highlight of the movie. She's so naive but good at heart and that makes the character even more likable. Some might disagree but I found Marlin to be very unsympathetic, even when Nemo was taken. I found him to be too much and the way he treats his son, even though I understand the circumstances why he does it, I just didn't like. But I did like him as the film progressed. There are also a great variety of supporting and minor characters, like the vegetarian sharks, the turtles and the Tank Gang make the film worthwhile because they're so engaging and funny.

The animation is flawless. The undersea world of Australia is beautiful and colorful. Sydney itself is very well done.

This is a funny, charming, entertaining and touching film that the entirely family will enjoy for years to come.

Rating: 5/5