FINDING DORY (2016) Review
Directed by Andrew Stanton
Director Andrew Stanton returns to animation (after John Carter) with Disney-Pixar’s Finding Dory, the sequel to his masterpiece 13 years ago, Finding Nemo. It’s a personal favorite for a lot of people especially for those who have a special closeness with their fathers. While we may want it to be as original as the first one, we’re a little disappointed that the ship has already been sailed, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the beauty of its sequel.
Finding Dory focuses more on the fan favorite character, the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish named Dory (voiced by Ellen Degeneres). Because this is her story and we wouldn’t get a sequel if it wasn’t for her. Dory’s character has so much to offer, it’s mysterious and it’s fun, there’s no wonder that a story centering her would pop up of the people behind Finding Nemo‘s minds. While the film took 13 years to happen, it is set 18 months after the events in Finding Nemo, because if not, they should be dead by now.
The film starts at the core of Dory’s memory from her childhood, with her parents, where they live. And that pretty much is what the film is all about, like its predecessor, it’s about family, and the invisible bond that cannot be broken.
Pixar films, Cars 2 and maybe Brave exempted, offers this genuine feel as their films start. It gets you ready for something that goes beyond the beautiful visuals its animation can offer, there’s an emotional touch to its scenes. Finding Dory, like its predecessor, offers a breathtaking adventure under the sea formed by beautiful animation and fun and talented voice cast. While it may not give an original feel like how Finding Nemo did 13 years ago, there are enough set pieces to enjoy and love that will keep you swept away by the colorful journey of Dory and her friends.
Director Andrew Stanton should be at peace with this project, not only will it be a blockbuster hit, it will also be loved by its viewers. There’s a lot to love in this film like any other Pixar films because it tackles it themes in the most uncommon but relatable way. It’s heartfelt, it give you an authentic feel of its setting, its characters and its story. It definitely is for the whole family, not just for the kids, adult will have more than enough reason to enjoy the film more than they expected. Because it’s a story close to every hearts, and it’s done beautifully thru the journey of someone extraordinary in her own way. Finding Dory is special, because it has a voice of its own, not suffering from the need to continue what its predecessor has fulfilled or accomplished.
Pixar is still on the top, even with Cars 2, the company sure has so many more to offer the audiences, more adventure, more animation, more magic.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
“Finding Dory” opens June 16, 2016 in Philippine cinemas from Walt Disney Studios, locally distributed by Columbia Pictures. Also available in 3D and IMAX 3D. Rated G by the MTRCB.