Finding Nemo (2003) Review

                                        'What is it with men and asking for directions?'

Featuring in this instalment of 'revisited films' is the 2003 underwater adventure Finding Nemo. The following review is a revised version I wrote previously. Following the re-release of Finding Nemo last year in its newly converted 3D format a sequel entitled Finding Dory was announced by none other than the voice of Dory herself, Ellen DeGeneres. Finding Nemo was a resounding hit amongst fans and critics alike and has gained a strong following from children and adults for its fun and cheerful animation and quirky characters. The film itself follows Marlin, (Albert Brooks) an overprotective clownfish, on his elongated journey to retrieve his son, Nemo, (Alexander Gould) from a group of divers. Along the way we are introduced to another fish - Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) and a turtle named Crush (Andrew Stanton, also the film's director) who assist Marlin in his expedition. 

 The film introduces a whole host of new and vibrant characters, none more so than Dory, a pacific regal blue tang fish. Suitably voiced by comedian Ellen DeGeneres, the fish adds some much-needed humour to a film we could be a rather somber affair otherwise. Dory is distinctly forgetful and somewhat naïve in comparison to the other underwater inhabitants, but she steals every scene and retains some of the best lines throughout the film. Degeneres' manages to swim her way into the hearts of many audiences through her energetic performance of the character's upbeat tone and constant bursts of singing. Furthermore, her voice encompasses every essence of the character; the scene where Dory attempts to speak 'whale' to attract the help of a distant fish, is particularly amusing.

Visually astounding, (especially in its revised format) this subaquatic tale dazzles with gorgeous colours and intricate detail that manages to bring the whole tale to life. It's beautiful to see the vast array of plant life and creatures that live together underneath the depths of the ocean, expressed in the film marvellously. The aesthetic appearance of the film helps to reflect the emotion that the characters feel when being exposed to something new, which the audience can relate to watching this movie. Although the film isn't completely scientifically accurate (what ever is?) the imaging and production that went into this piece is certainly no easy feat, and should be applauded. 

At times, the musical score by Thomas Newman pulls on the heart strings of the viewers, (especially in the opening sequence) and the score 'Barracuda' evokes a sense of sadness within the audience that should melt even the coldest of viewers, which is a difficult thing to do when the film is an animated feature, as it obviously lacks the human relation that live action possesses. However, I'm positive most audiences will find themselves notably touched by the tale of the characters and their plight to survive in new waters. 

Overall, this tender tale of adventure, rescue and determination has a lasting impression and is able to infuse hilarity with meaningful characters to create something which too many animated features fail to do. The visuals are dazzling, the narrative coherent, and the plot develops steadily enough to keep viewers entertained and satisfy without forfeiting the foundations of the tale or losing any of its humour. If you have been searching for an incredibly and thoroughly charming piece of animation, then look no further; Finding Nemo has created a standard of cinema that all other future productions can only hope to aspire to. 

4.5 stars out of 5 

Reviewed by Mel.