Stretched but largely enchanting

Rating: 9/10 (4 October 2005)

Animated tale of clownfish dad and son's attempt to find each other after son's capture by Aussie diver. Dad has to cross miles of sea with new friend Dory in tow, while son finds himself part of an aquarium mini-culture devoted to escape. Although he overplays a tad Brooks is right as worrisome father and DeGeneres is spot-on as forgetful Dory. There are portions of this movie that are as inspired as any Disney entry, including the Dory character, the aquarium scenes and the EAC turtles. But I found some other parts tired or forced (particularly the sharks), and generally feel like they were working too hard to pad this out to a 100 minute running time. Watching this (again & again) with my son I find myself skipping through some of the scenes. The final credits are inspired and as good as any part of the movie.