“FINDING Dory” brings back the forgetful fish from “Finding Nemo.”
The sequel to “Finding Nemo,” the moving “Finding Dory,” centers on the former supporting fish character, voiced anew by Ellen DeGeneres 13 years later.
Codirected by Andrew Stanton and Angus McLane, it reveals the poignant back story of Dory, whose short-term memory loss separated her from her parents (Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy) when she was young.
The forgetful fish, however, recalls parts of her past after an accident, and is helped by the father-son duo of Marlin (Albert Books) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence) in her quest to return home.
Like most Pixar films, the movie brings together nonhuman characters in a heart-tugging, human mission.
“Dory” proves that the comic relief from “Nemo” is funny, interesting and tragic enough to have her own story—and just as importantly, it’s solidly told.
It’s pretty formulaic, actually; her path is fraught with peril, but with old and new friends, she expectedly uncovers information about her long-forgotten family.
Nonetheless, there’s tense anticipation. It’s difficult not to sympathize with the protagonist, whose condition robs her daily of precious moments.
Older films about memory loss like “50 First Dates” and “Memento” were able to mine the concept in those respective genres; “Dory” does so, too, but in typical family-friendly fashion.
Dory is made sweet and funny by DeGeneres, complementing the lush and occasionally lonely vastness of this recreated marine world.