"Finding Nemo" is a great example of the genius of the folks at Pixar.

Rating: 10/10 (25 April 2006)

I have always been a fan of animated movies and, starting with Toy Story, I've become increasingly impressed at what can be accomplished with computer animation. "Finding Nemo" is a great example of the genius of the folks at Pixar.
The story is the parent-searches-for-lost-child plot in an aquatic setting. What is truly amazing is the artists' ability to turn fish into realistic characters. They carry all of the same kinds of insecurities and faults that humans do. Marlin's insecurity about becoming a parent comes back to slap him in the face during his fight with Nemo at the drop-off. The artists are able to convey expressions so well. Marlin's confusion when confronted with Dory's short-term memory problems is clearly communicated before he even opens his mouth to demand what's going on. The scars that you see on Gill  and later on Dory  are just an example of the level of detail achieved.
The voice talent for this film is outstanding and greatly contributes to the believability of the characters. Albert Brooks is the perfect choice for the paranoid Marlin. The eternal optimist / mental sieve, Dory, is excellently voiced by Ellen DeGeneres. The voice of Gill, the scheming tribe leader of the fish tank, is provided by Willem Dafoe. The towering Brad Garrett is a fitting match for Bloat, the largest tank fish who needs assistance deflating after puffing himself up. Other actors lending their voices are Alexander Gould (Nemo), Elizabeth Perkins (Coral), Geoffrey Rush (Nigel), and John Ratzenberger (Fish School).
Writer-director Andrew Stanton provides the voice of Crush, the 150-year-old sea turtle. The choice to give the sea turtles the attitudes and speech patterns of surfers was inspired. Life moves at a slower pace, and they ride the currents much like surfers ride the waves.
The success of "Finding Nemo" is well-earned. It is clear that a great deal of thought went into the making of this movie. Everything from the characters to the environments was masterfully done.