Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Finding Dory Review


Finding Nemo did not need a sequel but I'm sure glad they did one as it is such a good movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It is fun, entertaining, and has a good deal of emotion.


Finding Dory is set one year after the events of Finding Nemo. Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence) are living happily at the Great Barrier Reef alongside their neighbour, Dory (Ellen Degeneres) who has not changed much since we last saw her. She still suffers from short-term memory loss and causes frustration and annoyance to those in the community . They still adore her nonetheless. After an incident while out on a field trip jolts her memory of her family, she is determined to go and search for them. Nemo is eager to go along. Marlin though is not as keen to embark on yet another adventure but does so knowing what it feels like to lose family. 

Family is one of the main themes and we immediately see that right at the beginning of the show. It seems Dory already had her short-term memory problems when she was a young, sweet blue tang. She looks so cute with her two giant eyes and tiny body. Her parents Jenny (Diane Keaton) and Charlie (Eugene Levy) love her very much and do whatever they can to help her. As we learn more about them, you cannot help but really feel for them. 


With a similar kind of storyline you fear that it would play out like the previous film but it does not feel that way. The main focus is on Dory and her struggles. Also majority of the scenes takes place at the Marine Life Institute in California which is where Dory vaguely remembers growing up. Instead of negotiating the ocean, the trio need to negotiate how to get in and around of the place which is especially tricky being fish. They are going to need help and this is where a great new cast of characters come in. There is Hank (Ed O'Neill) the octopus. I should say "septopus" as he has lost one tentacle. The way he moves and camouflages himself is just great fun to watch. Then there is Destiny (Kaitlin Olson), a whale shark who has poor eyesight. Bailey (Ty Burrell), a beluga whale who believes there is something wrong with his sonar abilities. And not forgetting Fluke (Idris Elba) and Rudder (Dominic West), a pair of lazy and hilarious sealions. Also look out for the announcer's voice at the Institute where we are informed that the place is for Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release". It is a real hoot.



The animation and visuals are great and are stunning to see. From the bright, colourful ocean life to the vastness of the Marine Life Institute with its many zones and facilities there is a lot of breathtaking sights to take in. I might have had more to say had it not been for the animated short titled "Piper" which was screened before the show. The short is about a little bird which has to find food for itself. In it the visuals have photo like quality. You can see the layers of the birds' feathers, the texture of the sand and the wetness of the surfaces just to give you an example. It is truly impressive. 

Finding Dory is a good movie and I highly recommend it. Ellen DeGeneres excels in her role. She not only handles the typical cheerful Dory well but also the sad and lonely side of her. A lot of the highlights involve the supporting cast will surely be loved and become new favourites. The action sequences are unbelievable but are great fun to watch. Leave your brain at the door and just enjoy it. Take note there are extra scenes during and after the ends credits. Do stay back for it!


Finding Dory opens in cinemas here this Thursday, 16 June 2016. Don't miss it!


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Can't get enough of Finding Dory? Then you'll definitely want to check out the Disny.Pixar's Finding Dory Event happening from now till 22 June 2016 at the Plaza Singapura Main Atrium on Level 1.

The event features:

  • A "Sea-View" Green Screen Experience - you can get your photo taken and an underwater backdrop will be digitally inserted.
  • A Deep Sea Virtual Experience -   immerse yourself in a 3D oceanic environment using the Samsung Gear VR
  • Quick Memory Challenge
  • Kids Craft Worshop

*Some of the above activities above will require you to spend a minimum of $30 in a same-day single receipt in order to participate. Other terms and conditions apply.




You can also find Finding Dory merchandise sold at the event as well.




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