Let’s talk about Finding Dory.
Last week three of my children and I got to watch an advance screening of the new movie by Disney•Pixar. It features the return of Dory, Nemo, and Marlin to the big screen along with a bunch of other favorites from the original movie Finding Nemo plus some new marine-folk.
If you enjoyed Finding Nemo, I can pretty much guarantee you are going to love Finding Dory.
What my kids think about Finding Dory by Disney•Pixar.
Here’s what my kids had to say — filtered to avoid spoilers — but not corrected for grammar.
Anna, age 12. “I thought the cuddle party was really funny. I like that part. I liked the part where they were xxxxxxxx the car. I very much liked the movie and I liked the memories.”
Peter, age 7. “I liked the part where they found the octopus and got xxxxx xx xx. And I also liked the part where they met the squid. I liked the movie 100% and I want to watch it again.”
Joshua, age 7. “My favorite part was when they had the cuddle party on the xxxx. And also, I liked it when there were tons of fish like Dory. And my also favorite part was when they meet the whale. I loved, loved, loved the movie and I would watch it a thousand more times if I could. If not a billion.”
What I think about Finding Dory.
This was our first advanced screening to attend, so on the way there I was giving my kids instructions. “This is a professional event. Does everyone have shoes on?” (I probably should have asked that before we got on the interstate!) “We have to be quiet and respectful. Everyone there will be working.” and “When we are done – it will be your job to tell me what you thought about this movie, so pay attention and be quiet.”
And they were so good! At one point, one of my twins looked over at me and whispered “Shhh. Mommy, you are laughing too loud. We have to be quiet.” Ha! I will have to admit that I was enjoying myself a little bit loudly. I got swept away in the story.
I loved the focus on family. The story line was beautiful and well-done. I only had to hide my eyes once! For those of you who haven’t ever seen me watch a movie, let me explain. I’m so very sensitive to any kind of suspense, and honestly I’ve never seen a Disney movie I didn’t think was suspenseful. Some more than others. So, often times when my kids are watching a Disney film in the living room, I’m leaving the room to go get popcorn, or go to the bathroom, or whatever. So I don’t have to endure the suspense.
But when I go to the theater, I can’t just get up and leave with my kids sitting there having the time of their lives. So I plug my ears and shut my eyes until the suspense is over. However mild. My kids and husband find it amusing and more than a little embarrassing. What I found fascinating about Finding Dory is that I was literally so involved in the story line, I didn’t notice the suspense much. I just experienced and enjoyed the movie.
This is the kind of movie that will sweep you into the story – maybe even more than Finding Nemo (which I loved). And if you are like me, you might cry. (Just saying – maybe. Ahem.)
At one point I literally had chills.
Educational Content in Finding Dory
Part of Finding Dory takes place in the Marine Life Institute in California and the entire movie is rich with educational opportunities. For the most part the aquatic animals are amazing representations of what these animals look like in real life. The movie offers a great chance to discuss taking care of marine life by taking care of our environment but that is not the thrust of the movie by any means. I’m just saying – if you wanted to turn Finding Dory into a unit study on marine animals or environmental protection you certainly could.
The animation in this movie is jaw-dropping.
What Disney•Pixar says about Finding Dory.
Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” welcomes back to the big screen everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang Dory (voice of Ellen DeGeneres), who’s living happily in the reef with Marlin (voice of Albert Brooks) and Nemo (voice of Hayden Rolence). When Dory suddenly remembers that she has a family out there who may be looking for her, the trio takes off on a life-changing adventure across the ocean to California’s prestigious Marine Life Institute, a rehabilitation center and aquarium.
In an effort to find her mom (voice of Diane Keaton) and dad (voice of Eugene Levy), Dory enlists the help of three of the MLI’s most intriguing residents: Hank (voice of Ed O’Neill), a cantankerous octopus who frequently gives employees the slip; Bailey (voice of Ty Burrell), a beluga whale who is convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz; and Destiny (voice of Kaitlin Olson), a nearsighted whale shark. Deftly navigating the complex inner workings of the MLI, Dory and her friends discover the magic within their flaws, friendships and family.
Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”), co-directed by Angus MacLane (“Toy Story OF TERROR!”), and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”), Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” swims into theaters June 17, 2016.
My Bottom Line: I would definitely watch Finding Dory with my kids again and we are already planning to buy it when it comes out in iTunes later this year. I highly recommend the 3D in-theater experience when the movie opens on June 17th!
Thanks for the great review! Sounds like a really unique experience to get to go to a prescreening with your family! Just an added note for any families with adopted kiddos – there could be some emotional triggers for them in this movie. So, great idea to preview before showing to children with that history.
I saw this the night before it came out and LOVED it! It was a really wonderful story. And I agree with you about the lesbian couple. I was like, “THAT’S what the big deal was all about?” Really, non-issue! My kids are begging to go see it again! LOL Can’t wait for the DVD!
I saw an Entertainment news guy, on the Today Show, say that it may well be Disney’s first Lesbian couple on screen. Then they showed that clip with the two women and the octopus in the stroller.