When "Finding Nemo" hit theaters in 2003, audiences were captivated by the phenomenal animation that brought Marlin and Dory's quest to find Nemo to life. Thirteen years later and audiences were once again graced with impeccable animation, a heartwarming storyline and lovable characters, which together made "Finding Dory" a smash-hit sequel.
Multiple times in the world of film, audiences have seen sequels that not only fail to live up to their predecessor but are also a disgrace to movies everywhere. (aka "Jaws 2") The anticipation of a sequel is nerve-racking, especially to fans of the original movie. Nobody wants their favorite story and characters ruined by a failed attempt to expand a plot that doesn't necessarily need expanding in the first place. However, "Finding Dory" touched on all the prime aspects that made "Finding Nemo" so memorable, while also shedding light on a fan-favorite character.
The film featured the same gorgeous scenic animation as the first that gave the movie a "breath of fresh air" feeling. Pixar Animation Studios has been dealing out impressive films, especially as of late, that prioritize intense and flawless visuals, such as "The Good Dinosaur." Along with some of the same characters that audiences loved from the first film, new characters were also introduced, all serving a purpose and contributing to the ultimate storyline — my personal favorite character being:
Aside from the animation and introduction of characters, the storyline is what made "Finding Dory" a success. Initially, I was cautious as to how Pixar would deliver another story, with the same main characters, focused on the same goal of finding a friend. However, the story took a turn with not only highlighting the search for Dory but also her family. The heartwarming notion of how important family is and that they will always be there for you no matter what served its own purpose in relation to Dory, but also continued with the theme of the "Finding Nemo" franchise.
Continuation between the films was also noted various times during the film, as audiences were clued into how Dory became who she is. Simple sayings and songs that audiences assumed were created just by Dory being, well, Dory, actually had meaning to them. The writers of the film made sure to include references from Dory's childhood into almost every decision she made during her journey to find her parents, bringing much needed consistency to the film.
Overall, "Finding Dory" was not a let-down, but instead served as both a relevant sequel and, in a way, an informative prequel. But most importantly, my likeness to "Finding Nemo" and the characters within the big, blue world has not changed as a result of seeing "Finding Dory." If anything, my eyes have been opened to see hidden messages I may have missed the first 100 times I watched "Finding Nemo."
