Finding Nemo [2003]

The merits of this film are endless, but one or two are worth picking out. First the script: This is lively, witty, and has enough informed, sophisticated humour to keep any adult giggling stupidly, at the same time as pushing all the right buttons for the kids. Barry Humphries' Bruce the shark leading the 'Fish are Friends not Food' AA meeting is a case in point. And Marlin's reaction to Dory's attempt at talking in whale language is instantly recognisable as a perfectly judged observation of the embarrassment caused by English speakers who think that to speak to foreigners you have to shout and do lots of arm movements. Secondly the art. Here, we are treated to a festival of animation that effortlessly blends documentary style ultra-realism that could have come from the BBC's Blue Planet series, with three dimensional fantasy. Every single scene is visually stunning.

So buy this for your kids by all means. But make sure they leave it 'for you to put away' when they go up to bed. Then see if you agree with me when I suggest that Pixar is an exceptionally bright spot in an otherwise dreary Hollwood.


"You're ridin' it dude. Check it out"   January 31, 2004
Jennifer Litchfield (Auckland, New Zealand)
16 out of 20 found this review helpful

Finding Nemo is, quite simply, brilliant. Computer animation has come on in leaps and bounds since the days of Toy Story (1995) and Finding Nemo stunningly attests to this. From the vibrantly coloured and gently undulating coral on the reef, to the murky depths of Sydney harbour, to the clever use of reflection and refraction off the fish tank, this is a film in which the constantly changing scenery is a large part of its attraction. The original and well-judged score enhances the viewer's sense of wonder and their empathy with the characters.

But computer wizardry alone cannot create a great film. Finding Nemo is also blessed with an action-packed story and lots of laughs (largely courtesy of Dory - a well-meaning blue tang fish with short-term memory loss). Nemo is a young clown fish, eager to test his boundaries, who is caught by a diver and taken to an aquarium in Sydney. Whilst there, he makes friends with a motley collection of aquatic creatures who help him plot his escape. Meanwhile, his over-protective father, Marlin, begins a frantic quest to find his son. Along the way he is helped and hindered by three new-age sharks, some bodacious-dude turtles, a whale, and a monstrous angler fish (amongst others).

And yes, the ending may be a little mushy, but after such an epic adventure, the viewer will find the sentimentality relatively easy to stomach. Indeed, the character development is surprisingly deep for a children's movie, and it's a nice change to have not every character being entirely good or bad. Parents in the audience will certainly identify with Marlin's dilemma of wanting to protect his child, and yet coming to realise that the time comes when one has to let go a little.


A most see for ALL ages... over and over again!   January 14, 2004
14 out of 16 found this review helpful

I'm 32! .. and I haven't laughed so hard for a looong time!
A brilliant and funny movie made for all 'kids' at all ages!
DON'T miss this!


Probably the worst of the Pixar/Disney movies   February 6, 2004
13 out of 28 found this review helpful

Folks, it seems i'm going against the trend here. I didn't think much of Finding Nemo. Now, I'm talking about the film here and not the DVD, so I can't comment on extras etc, though I am sure they will be excellent. As for the film itself, it disappointed me i'm afraid.

I am a massive toy Story fan, loved the original though the sequal was even better. I love what Pixar do, I think it is much beter than traditional animation. I though Monsters Inc was excellent too, a very funny and original idea for a film. Finding Nemo, though, I didn't like as much. There's nothing wrong with it really, it just didn't meet the massivly high standards set by its predecessors. Don't get me wrong, the animation is amazing, but i didn't find it as funny or as exciting as toy story or monsters inc.

But, like i said it seems i'm the only one who thinks so, so maybe you shouldn't listen to me. But i'm just giving my humble opinion!!!!!


Finding an excellent film!   March 19, 2004
Steve (Littlehampton)
11 out of 23 found this review helpful

.
I thought I had grown out of this type of film, so was not particularly bothered about watching it with the kids. But I did and I'm glad I did. It was surprisingly excellent!
Take Pixars technical excellence and sharp wit and add it to traditional Disney type animal characters and you get a wonderful family film.
Pixar are famous for their skill and unique story lines, but this definitely seems to be more a homage to old fashioned Disney films - but executed to a much greater level than ever before.

A young clown fish (Nemo) gets captured by scuba divers and put into a tropical fish tank in a dentists surgery. His neurotic and over-protective father, Marlin, filled with despair and guilt at letting his son get captured resolves to leave the safety of the reef and track down and rescue his son. Picking up a truly scatter brained companion on the way, Dory, Marlin has a fast paced adventure on his determined travels. Meanwhile, the plucky little Nemo, with encouragement from the other aquarium fish, is equally determined to escape and return home.

There are numerous superb animal characters - the usual mix of goodies and baddies, funny bits, sad bits and the imagery is stunning. I wish I had seen this on a large cinema screen for an even better effect.

For my money not the best Pixar film, as it is definitely aimed at a younger audience, but definitely the best of it's genre and will become a classic Disney film. Virtually faultless, no family home should be without a copy.