|
| . |
|
Finding Nemo 2003 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Andrew Stanton
G, 101 min. (all audiences) |
 |
Starring: Voices: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Austin Pendleton, Stephen Root, Geoffrey Rush
Producer: Graham Walters
Screenplay: Andrew Stanton
Cinematography: Pixar Animation
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Released: 5.30.02 (Wide) |
Rating:
 (out of ) |
The lucrative relationship between Disney and Pixar has produced yet another star vehicle for the re-imagining of Disney's
animation department, a division that has painfully learned that the lure of Beauty and the Beast's dated animation has
withered in the light of computer animated gems like Toy Story and Monsters, Inc.. Their latest effort, the affable and
visually alluring Finding Nemo, is a top-notch family film to be sure, yet I hesitate to slap the euphoric "masterpiece" label
that is being liberally applied by a herd of film critics. This is a good film, well-made, and worth seeing no doubt, but it's
not quite in the league of a Toy Story or even A Bug's Life for that matter. Exceptionally constructed, Finding Nemo takes contemporary suburban
life underwater to a place that seems just as perilous as the dangers lurking around the streets of society's middle class
havens. The filmmakers, led by director/writer Andrew Stanton, have crafted a believable, entertaining yarn that teaches
the value of trust and mutual independence. In short, Pixar has done it again.
The film opens underwater in a world that is full of life and bubbling with personality. Our hero is Marlin (Albert Brooks), a
clownfish whose overprotective nature has pushed his only child, Nemo (Alexander Gould), to test his independence by
swimming too far away from the friendly confines of their coral reef where he is captured by scuba divers and taken to
an aquarium tank in a dentist's office. While Nemo makes new friends - led by a cynical butterfly fish Gill (Willem Dafoe) -
in his isolated world, Marlin sets out to rescue his lost son with the help of a hippo tang, Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), who has
a forgetful memory. Together the two survive a gang of sharks (who claim to be vegetarian), jellyfish, and a the belly of
a whale to eventually arrive at Nemo's new home. Meanwhile, Nemo is busy planning an elaborate escape with his newfound
friends.
The real strength of Finding Nemo is in its clever dialogue, which is geared for both children and adults. The in-jokes
for adults don't detract from a child's enjoyment, while the fascinating images and playful banter between varying species
in the coral reef captivate the kids while enamoring the adults with the detailed craftmanship of the film. Because the
characters are voiced by such comedians as Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres, their voices are familiar enough to conjure
up images of their distinctive schticks even though we only see fish instead of their real life personas. Stanton has
written a witty script and emboldened it with characters and situations that are both insightful and creatively communicated.
Even for those who don't appreciate the storyline, the visuals here are stunningly effective. Stanton has wisely instructed his
computer animators to create an environment that isn't merely a sanctuary for all comers. In the distant background we can
see the murky dark blue waters that hint of dangers unseen; the adults of the community warn of such imminent peril when
youngsters wander too close to the edge of the abyss. The detail, both in terms of the sea life and the coral reef itself is
awe-inspiring, reminding us why traditional animation is about as relevant today as the doomed video cassette recorder.
There's no going back, and for many viewers, it couldn't be soon enough.
The ensemble cast make for near perfect matches with their counterparts. Brooks and DeGeneres form a hilarious team
in the journey through the sea, while Dafoe brings a reluctant world-wise experience to his Gill, the fish that risks everything
for Nemo. Finally, Gould is effectively childlike in his voiced innocence and panic, relating to children with ease.
There is so much to look at and wonder in amazement at Finding Nemo that multiple viewings are a probable
possibility for many families. With the current state of cinema of today, films like this are a welcome sight for
most moviegoers, who must suffer throught the indignities and downright insulting weekly offerings from Hollywood. With
a combination of imaginative storytelling and dazzling images, Finding Nemo has a chance to be the most successful film of the
year.
© 2003 Jonathan Cornwell
|
|
 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
 | Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
© 2000 - present ReelCriticReviews
All movie pictures are registered trademarks and/or copyrights of their respective holders
Their use on this site is for informational purposes only and does not imply ownership
|
