I freaking love Pixar. The company does churn out a few duds here and there I don't think that any of their films are bad. With that being said, however, their sequels worry me. Monsters University was pretty good but I couldn't even finish Cars 2. Needless to say, I was cautious coming into Finding Dory. They did not disappoint as this film might just be just as great as the original.
Finding Dory isn't about finding Dory. It's actually about Dory's quest to find her long lost family. I don't want to go into it too much in fear of spoilers but let's just say that this film hits you in the gut with the opening scene. Finding Nemo's first scene is sad but, because we've gotten to know Dory, this opener is just heartbreaking. Moving past that, Finding Dory really surprised me with the way it went with its story. I knew the basic outline because of the trailers: Dory gets the help of various new sea friends to find her parents. This film takes this scenario and rolls with it so hard. Frankly, that's what all movies should do with their given outline, but this one thoroughly surprised me with the locations that they go to and the adventures that they have. That is something that I've been missing from a Pixar movie. Is it just nostalgia? Maybe. I did enjoy Inside Out, despite its predictability and The Good Dinosaur... was... definitely a movie, but Finding Dory surprised me with every turn it took regarding its story.
Finding Nemo possesses possibly my favorite movie soundtrack of all time. At least, that's what I would've told you yesterday. Now I would tell you that Finding Dory might just be better... but I can't let go of the original. Is it nostalgia? Heck yes and I don't care. The Finding Nemo soundtrack will always be closer to my heart but Finding Dory just sounds new and improved in every way. Bigger instrument variety and a bigger emphasis on set pieces which is a nice change. I may be a minority by saying it's better but it is certainly a welcome change.
This film looks amazing. The animation is fluid and easy to keep track of and each character gives off so much emotion through their facial expressions. This does lead me, however, to my biggest gripe with the film. The set pieces were a little boring. That isn't the animators fault and I do like how this movie feels more contained than Finding Nemo but that doesn't let the animation really shine like it did in Finding Nemo. There isn't a vast and beautiful ocean that the characters explore in this one. It isn't really the movie itself but rather its relationship with its predecessor that makes this part really stand out while watching it. Maybe that is something that I can get over with more viewings? Whatever the case, good or bad, it is different and worth mentioning.
Finding Dory is a great movie and a great sequel. Is it better? I don't think so but I sure as hell don't think it's worse.
Finding Dory is gripping right to the end.
