Find Dory. Find Enjoyment!

Rating: 10/10 (23 June 2016)

Finding Dory (2016): Dir: Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane / Voices: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O'Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell: A surprisingly engaging animated masterpiece sequel to Finding Nemo, which is one of Pixar's best. Dory is the fish with the short term memory and the film opens with her loving yet cautious parents warning her about the dangers beyond home. When she eventually is separated from her parents, the film crosses where Finding Nemo began then jumps ahead a year. Dory is beginning to have flashes of her past and decides to search for her parents. Little clown fish Nemo encourages his father Marlin to allow them to join her. Reluctantly he joins the search and the screenplay weaves comedy and tragedy with a suspenseful yet triumphant conclusion that reminds viewers why Pixar is great. New characters are introduced including a red octopus named Hank who helps Dory but really desires to remain in his water den away from being released at sea. Destiny is a near-sighted whale shark who was childhood friends with Dory. Bailey is a beluga whale wrestling a concussion. There is also a couple of sea lions offering advice while dominating their rock. There is also a bird with awkward eyes that becomes a benefit. The animation is colourful but most of all it avoids the typical sequel flaw that repeats the previous film. We have a message where one's impairment becomes a benefit when Dory finally makes discoveries. When we all band together our weaknesses become a triumph leading to lasting happiness. Finding Dory is finding satisfaction. Score: 10 / 10