Sequels usually have a certain tone to them. After the success of their original movie, there is a need to follow up with an encore production. This excites us, as movie goers. We feel that the questions we were left with at the end of the first movie might be answered, or at least we will get to see what happens to beloved characters after the curtain closes on the first movie.
However, more often than not, sequels tend to let us down. They could never live up to the hype surrounding them, and usually, just end up being a way for them to make more money.
This is true in most cases, but not for the Pixar movies.
Pixar has done sequels for four of their movies: Toy Story, Cars, Monsters Inc., and now, Finding Nemo. They all become part of a seamless storyline, each movie complementing the next in line. They never feel forced; they only effortlessly add to their world and make us love them more.
It is interesting how they have come do make such wonderful movies, while so many other sequels fall short. Maybe it is because they never rush into the sequels. Pixar’s newest sequel, Finding Dory, is accompanying Finding Nemo, which was released in 2004. It has been in the works for the past three years, and finally, twelve years later, they released the sequel.
Maybe the reason they wait to release the farewell edition is so the generation who appreciates them can say goodbye properly. Think about it. Toy Story was released in 1995. It’s the latest edition of the trilogy, Toy Story 3, where Andy goes to college, was released in 2010. This was around the time when the kids who were young when the first Toy Story came out were then going to college. It was the same case with Monsters University. And now Finding Dory.
Pixar does an incredible job of making movies for all ages to enjoy, but maybe, just maybe, these sequels are for us.
Because we grew up right alongside these characters. They were icons, and they held a special place in our heart for the entirety of our childhood. We waited patiently for over a decade to see what would happen to Nemo, Marlin, and Dory, and now it is finally time.
So enjoy the movie kiddos, and try not to pay too much mind to the young adults that overcrowd the theatre.
I could not be more excited for Finding Dory, and I am happy it is receiving all of the love and success it deserves. Ben Kendrick of Screen Rant says, “Finding Dory isn’t just a worthy sequel to Nemo, it also succeeds on its own—as a rousing tale of love and overcoming adversity.” Though Dory may experience memory loss, this tale is one that is unlikely to be forgotten.
