My guide to whether a film rocks or sucks is whether or not I cry in it! Sad, but true. Well, with Finding Nemo, I was blubbering like a bairn before the opening credits had started to scroll. I don�t know whether it's because I�m a big kid myself (or if its because I openly let them overdose on popcorn, nachos, chocolate and pop, and then wonder why they don�t want to go for a burger afterwards), but my niece and her chums turn to me when they want to go to the cinema, so kid-flicks seem to be my forte.
Finding Nemo is the story of a Clownfish called (surprise surprise) Nemo and his overprotective father, Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks). When Nemo is caught by a diver, it is Marlins mission to save him. Marlin hooks up with an adoring Blue Tang fish called Dory (voiced by the excellent Ellen DeGeneres) who has the memory span of a, well� a fish! This leads our heroes on a series of fun-filled adventures searching for Nemo. Watch out for the excellent shark �fish-eaters-anonymous� scene. I was still giggling half an hour later!
Nemo meanwhile has his own adventures as he�s placed in a dentist�s fish tank. Here he meets up with Gill, (Dafoe) an irascible Angel Fish who�s mission is to escape the tank and get back to the ocean with Peach, the Starfish, Gurgle, Bubbles, Deb/Flo and the cute little prawn called Jacques. The gang initiate Nemo into their inner sanctum and try to protect him from harm (as well as tempt him to help them escape). Word spreads of Marlin and Dory�s quest and they eventually reach the tank just as Nemo is to be presented as a gift to the dentist�s horrid niece.
As with all Disney films, everything works out ok in the end, however it�s the main characters end that let the film down in my opinion. Not that it was overtly crass, but I felt it became rushed, however there was a pleasant sting in the tale concerning the remaining occupants of the tank and their destiny, which balanced the film up nicely again, so the kids (young and old) in the screening left the theatre very happy.
Even with my doubts about the ending, Finding Nemo is in my opinion, the finest animated film ever. I cannot stress how good this film is, from the excellent voice casting down to the beautifully rendered scenery. I only wish the ocean was that clean and colourful down on my beach! Also, look out for the cameo appearance in the end credits of Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc. as a scuba diver! It has to be seen to be believed. |
