Finding Dory review: “A fantastic, heart-warming adventure…”

Finding Dory review: 13 years on from Finding Nemo, Pixar return with a follow-up… But does it sink or swim?

Hollywood can be a greedy and fickle creature at times. 2016 has so far been an excellent example of what happens when audiences grow tired of hollow sequels and repeated tropes of the past. Originality is unfortunately becoming a rare thing in the modern age of reboots, remakes, prequels and video game adaptations. This has led to a sad realisation that genuine greatness comes few and far between in mainstream Hollywood these days. However, with Finding Dory comes the not-so-surprising news that Pixar have managed to bring us cinematic gold yet again.

Dory’s second adventure does a fantastic job of proving that the innovative animation studio still has plenty of originality left up its sleeve. Following on from last year’s painstakingly emotional masterpiece Inside Out, we are taken all the way back a fond favourite setting from way back in 2003. However, this time the focus is firmly on everyone’s beloved regal blue tang (voiced once again by Ellen DeGeneres).

The sequel begins with a trademark tearjerker of an opening from the studio that is now renowned for reducing grown men to tears. This is then followed up with an inventive sequence that effectively connects the narrative to its predecessor. In fact, the brilliantly organic manner in which Finding Dory links to Nemo is incredibly satisfying. This is executed through surprisingly brief references, that demonstrate the films dedication to its title character. As a result, it’s easy to question whether or not the film is truly a sequel, as opposed to a companion piece or spin-off. Although this is certainly no bad thing, and it should definitely make other major studios question how they approach their own sequel properties in future.

The literal and metaphorical journey of Finding Dory is an excellent way of adding both layers and purpose to her existence as a character. The journey of discovering the true whereabouts of Dory’s parents is an exciting and intriguing adventure, that successfully brings our favourite fish friends to a refreshing new location. While the conclusion may veer a little too close to the overly-cartoonish antics of some of the lower level animated films on the market, the Marine Life Institute provides a great new setting for the film.

In terms of characters, some may be disappointed at the lack of major focus on fan-favourites of the past. It is even more disappointing that some of these fleeting appearances have been previously spoiled in the films marketing. Marlin and Nemo are heavily featured supporting players in a role-reversal switch of a duo on the hunt for their friend. The father/son dynamic of the pair is a wonderfully satisfying element of the film that compliments the conclusion of the original. Marlin’s realisation of letting go of the past is evident here as his relationship with Nemo has evolved into a partnership that is absolutely joyous to watch on screen.

There are plenty of new characters for audiences to enjoy, including a loveable short-sighted whale with an ingenious connection to Dory’s past. Although, Idris Elba and Dominic West arguably receive the most laugh-out-loud moments as a pair of hilariously possessive sea-lions, which will definitely guarantee a snigger every time the name ‘Gerald’ is uttered after leaving the theatre. However, the clear standout of the new cast is without-a-doubt Ed O’Neill’s Hank, a grumpy octopus with a missing tentacle and a severe phobia of human contact. The beautiful relationship that develops between Hank and Dory is a nice parallel to her and Marlin, but also functions as a great way of moving the plot forward. Despite the fact that the pace of the film is a lot quicker than Finding Nemo, viewers will barely notice its narrative swim through an hour and forty-five minutes of run time.

So, after an already-astonishing year at the box office with Zootropolis, The Jungle Book and Captain America: Civil War, Disney have certainly got another guaranteed smash hit on their hands. In fact, Finding Dory may very well be the pinnacle of animated film making, which is certainly saying something considering it comes from the same studio as Toy Story and The Incredibles. Overall Andrew Stanton and Pixar have crafted a fantastic, heart-warming adventure that viewers definitely wont forget.

Finding Dory review by Ben Read, July 2016.

Finding Dory will be released in UK cinemas on July 29th, 2016.