Finding Nemo

I know people will be APPALLED Finding Nemo hadn’t been viewed until last night; no need to even ask. There’s still only some Pixar that’s been viewed in my life; might as well select one that due to its popularity even I knew several main characters, the catchphrases, and yes the memes. I had no idea there was a rough opening that while not as devastating as the beginning of Up, was still sad.

I also did not know that Nemo’s dad Marlin was a helicopter parent, although the reasons why were obvious. On the other hand, even I know that there seems to be a “Pixar formula” where a pair of disparate characters team up on a quest to locate something or someone. That didn’t bother me too much in Finding Nemo. Heck, the Dory character was more tolerable than expected; I’m talking about the character’s behavior only and not my personal feelings on the individual who voiced them… someone who rightfully has been cancelled between then & now.

The film was rather charming between Marlin & Dory’s journey to find his son and Nemo’s adventures w/ his new pals inside the dentist aquarium. The latter amused me as a childhood dentist did have an aquarium, albeit in the waiting room and not right alongside the dentist’s chair. The DDS I have now isn’t an Australian bloke but rather a French lady w/ an accent.

The film had lovely computer animation, was especially colorful underwater, had a nice score from Randy Newman’s cousin Thomas (did you know that he’s been nominated for an Oscar on 15 occasions yet has NEVER won once? It’d be nice if he finally receive a trophy in the future) and there were moments that middle-aged me enjoyed. 

Ray the teacher and his big words amused me, along with the surfer dude turtles, the Oceanic setting, and the usage of some actors from that region, like Eric Bana, Barry Humphries, and Bruce Spence. Despite being a Yankee, yes I’ve heard of Dame Edna; they tried to make that character popular in America over 3 decades ago-it didn’t work but I haven’t really seen the character so I can’t offer my opinion. Giving the main shark the name “Bruce” is a nice wink to film nerds like us.

Whether or not Finding Dory will ever be tackled is up in the air; there is still Pixar pictures that are better regarded which should be experienced first. Thankfully, Nemo was an aquatic adventure that didn’t disappoint.