Movie Title: Finding Dory
Grade: A
Rating: PG, 100
minutes
In a Nutshell: The
feels! The first line of the movie that
you hear comes out of the sweet little mouth of Dory when she was a toddler,
causing every female in the audience to gasp, “Awwwww!” My teenage son leaned over to me and said, “This
is going to be a long movie.” Ha ha Later, he admitted he really did like the
movie, even more than he thought he would.
This heartwarming Pixar sequel is perfect for all ages. It’s
risky to feature a supporting character from a previous movie (Finding Nemo), but it works great in this film. Dory is adorable, lovable. and easily carries her own movie.
One of the best parts of seeing this movie is watching the
ADORABLE animated short before Finding Dory!
The animation is AMAZING! Sooooo cute! Awwwww!
Uplifting theme:
- “You can do whatever you put your mind
to.” - Jenny (Dory’s mom, played by Diane Keaton!)
- During
the final credits, the screen says, “The film is dedicated to all our
families – of every kind. You keep
us swimming.” Families come in all shapes and sizes.
- “The
best things happen by chance.” – Dory
- “There’s
always a way.” – Dory
- We
often don’t know who we are and what our talents are. Let’s help each other by sharing kind
words with one another.
- “Just
keep swimming.” – Jenny (Dory’s mother)
- While
the title makes you believe someone is trying to find Dory, SHE is the one looking
to find someone…her parents. On
her journey, she finds herself.
- Mr.
Ray (Bob Peterson) teaches the school children about instinct and
describes it as “the song you always know.” We all have a natural desire to go home.
- Respect
for ocean life.
Things I liked:
- Ellen
DeGeneres is wonderful as Dory.
- Keep
watching during the post credits to see Hank doing silly things. Then, keep watching until after ALL of
the credits for a fun surprise.
- I love
the last line of the movie and the song that follows. Marlin looks out over the drop and
sighs, “It really is quite a view.”
Dory agrees, “Yep.
Unforgettable.” Then, the
ridiculously talented Sia sings “Unforgettable.” Perfect.
- Two of
the “dads” from Modern Family voice characters in this film: Ed O’Neill (Hank) and Ty Burrell
(Bailey).
- John
Ratzenberger is a Pixar icon.
- Some
of the small roles are voiced by BIG talents such as Eugene Levy, Idris
Elba, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Willem Dafoe, and two SNL comedians - Kate McKinnon and Bill Hader.
- You’ll
never see sea shells in the ocean the same way again.
- Becky!
- It’s
interesting that this film doesn’t really have a classic villain, other
than the dangerous situations Dory and the characters find themselves in. Nevertheless, it works. Very well.
- I love
it when Dory talks in her sleep. This
time she says, “Give me the ratchet wrench. I can fix it.” It’s another insight into her character
that she always wants to fix situations, despite her disability.
- The
colors and textures are rich. The
movement under the sea is so realistic that you really feel like you’re in
the ocean.
Things I didn’t like:
- I
adore Albert Brooks as Marlin and was sad he wasn’t utilized more in the
movie. Still, he has some poignant moments.
· I cried in Finding Nemo. I’ve seen the movie a bunch of times and
still cry when I watch it. SPOILER ALERT: The
reunion moment should have had me bawling, but it ended so quickly that I
hardly had a chance to tear up.
· Did you notice the Coke product placement? Do those every bug you?
Funny lines:
- "Nobody saw Dory? That’s a lot of eyeballs doing nothing!”
- Hank
- “Suck
it Bypeds.” – Hank
- “Everybody
does it. Nothing to be ashamed of.”
– Dory, after Hank “inks”
- “Follow
me!” – Dory
“You’re in a cup…” – Hank
- “My
life’s a rainbow!” – Bailey
- “I don't have a problem with crazy.”
– Dory
“You know, I could see that.” –
Hank
- “You
lost a tentacle? Then, you’re not
an octopus; you’re a septimus. I can count.” – Dory
- “Cuddle
party! I’m in!” – Dory
- “Hey
dude, if you’re gonna hurl, could you do me a solid and head to the back
of the shell and lean out and go for distance?” - Crush
- “We
see the undertow and we say…” – Charlie (Dory’s dad)
“Let’s go!” – Dory
- “Righteous!”
– Crush (Andrew Stanton, who is also one of the directors and writers of
the movie!)
Tips for
parents:
- There
is an awkward/funny “when 2 fish love each other” speech Dory begins to
give to young children when she thinks she’s supposed to teach “that”
class.
- Children
(and parents) with any kind of disability will find comfort and
inspiration as we watch Dory deal with her short-term “rememory loss.” The topic is handled very respectfully
in the movie.
- Very
young children might be frightened by the idea that it’s so easy to get
lost from your parents. Watching
the movie can spark an important conversation with your little ones about
how to deal with separation, as well as emergencies.
- There is an important lesson for parents to let their children do things for themselves.
by Jill Ciment, this wry dramedy showcases the charming duo Morgan
Freeman and Diane Keaton.
) seems right at home as a hard-hitting
New York City realtor.