Review: "Finding Nemo 3D"

Film And DVD Reviews by Phil Boatwright

Disney animated adventure with the voice talent of Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Willem Dafoe, Geoffrey Rush, Allison Janney, Barry Humphries, Alexander Gould. 5/30/03

The classic “Finding Nemo” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™. The film follows the comedic and eventful journeys of two fish - Marlin and his son Nemo - who become separated in the Great Barrier Reef when Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from home and thrust into a fish tank in a dentist's office overlooking Sydney harbor. Buoyed by the companionship of a friendly-but-forgetful fish named Dory, the overly cautious father embarks on a dangerous trek to rescue his son - who hatches a few daring plans of his own. Written and directed by Oscar nominee Andrew Stanton, who co-directed the 1998 Disney/Pixar hit “A Bug’s Life.”

Along the way, the boy/fish learns that a price will be paid for disobedience and he discovers that his father is not just overly protective, but a loving and brave parent. There are several lessons concerning trust and faith and sacrificing for others. The artwork is, well, magical. The voice characterizations are humorous and effective and the storyline is involving and comprised of thoughtful humor and action. Be cautioned: a few of the exploits may frighten very little ones. A couple of two or three-year-olds in the screening audience could be heard crying at some of the jolting action. But for older tots and their accompanying parents, “Finding Nemo” is very entertaining.

Not a fan of 3D, a gimmick often over or underdone, still, I suspect little ones will be amazed at giant fish seemingly coming off the screen to gobble them up.

G (A scary scene upsets the gentle under the sea world of new father Marlin and his wife when a shark attacks at the film’s opening; knocked unconscious, Marlin wakes to discover only his one son has survived – this may upset very little ones; both son and father fish have several exciting/dangerous adventures as they try to get reunited; lots of chase scenes, but the humor helps temper the scary moments. When the dentist discovers his fish tank is filthy, he utters an exclamation “crikey,” which is a fairly harmless Australian expletive).

Notes:

• “Finding Nemo” won the 2003 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature.

• The film won a Golden Globe® Award for Best Motion Picture–Musical or Comedy.

• At the time of its release, “Finding Nemo” was the highest grossing G-rated movie of all time.

• Ellen DeGeneres won an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance.

• In 2008, The American Film Institute named “Finding Nemo” among the top 10 greatest animated films ever made.

Besides providing a monthly column for Baptist Press, he reviews films for www.previewonline.org. He also is a regular contributor to "The World and Everything In it," a weekly radio program from WORLD News Group, which also publishes WORLD Magazine.

For information about Phil Boatwright, go to moviereporter.com.

DEFINITIONS

Profanity – God’s name followed by a curse or the abusive use of Christ’s name

Obscenity – a swear word, indecent language

Expletive – minor curse words such as damn or hell

Crudity – vulgar, often coarse situations or dialogue dealing with bodily functions

Adult Subject Matter – situations or subjects unsuitable for or difficult to comprehend by children