Pixar Has Found Excellence

Rating: 8/10 (5 December 2003)

Really, "Finding Nemo" needs no introduction. But, what the heck, I'll give it one anyway. Working at a daycare this summer, I heard about "Finding Nemo." And those of you who work in child care know that's an understatement. "Finding Nemo" was pretty much everything I heard about and everything I saw. I saw kid's meal toys, clothing, pillowcases, and just about every piece of "Finding Nemo" memorabilia in existence. When I had trouble starting a deep {cough} conversation with a little kid, I would introduce myself with a statement like, 'So...have you seen "Finding Nemo"?' But really at this point I had no idea how good the movie was or what it was about really. Needless to say though, I get a bit skeptical about movies when just about every child in the nation has seen them.
Yet, when I saw "Finding Nemo," I was pleasantly surprised. First of all, I really don't need to say this, but the animation was awesome and visually stimulating. The voice acting was also top notch. And, of course, Randy Newman's score matched the movie perfectly. The story, although unrealistic (but how can it be realistic - talking fish?), is also very well-written and even has some (gasp) character development. And, since I have a little kid's sense of humor, I found the movie hilarious. I hardly went one minute in the whole movie without laughing. I only have one complaint: the opening scene seems a little off-balance. I know, I know. It sets the stage for the rest of the movie and helps you get into what's going on. But something's still missing from it, even if I can't put a finger on it.

Besides one tiny flaw, though, this movie is a masterpiece, kid's movie or not. Skeptics out there, I have a suggestion for you: Give "Finding Nemo" a chance.
Final Grade: A.