Anthony's Film Review - Finding Nemo (2003)

Finding Nemo is the perfect Pixar film and the perfect family film...

Here is a movie that no doubt deserved an Academy Award for Best Animated Film. I originally saw Finding Nemo on its opening night. After leaving the theater, I knew for sure that it would win an Oscar. I also remember one film critic who said that you can be anywhere from age 5 to 95 and really enjoy it. It's true. The movie has appeal across all ages and around the world. Why? Because it has a universal story. That's the secret of a great film.

The first scene delivers a great setup. Marlin the orange clownfish, voiced by Albert Brooks, will soon be a father. He and his mate share the wonderful moment of looking at the eggs that will grow into baby fish. Just then, something arrives: a bigger and deadly fish. It's clearly a predator. While Marlin successfully hides, his mate and the eggs aren't so lucky. Once the predator leaves, he comes out of hiding to find that he's alone. Well, almost. There's one egg still left. He names it Nemo and vows to take real good care of it.

Later, Nemo is grown up and ready to go to school. Marlin is clearly overprotective at this point, advising his son not to swim out too far. Then another threat arrives. This time, a scuba diver who catches Nemo in a plastic bag. Despite a frantic chase after a boat, Nemo is gone. Now each character is on his own. Marlin must try to find his son while Nemo tries to find a way out of the aquarium he's in along with other captive fish.

Marlin does have an ally in Dory the blue angelfish, well voiced by Ellen DeGeneres. Together, they face deadly sharks, get inside a giant whale, ride with a crowd of sea turtles, and experience other excitement along the way. While the movie is essentially an adventure across the ocean, it also features a rather clever prison escape story. The fish in the aquarium devise a plan that would set them free. You'll have to see it to understand what I mean.

There's nothing more that I need to say. The film is a masterpiece. The visuals are spectacular. The story is heartwarming and funny. This is why Finding Nemo remains one of my all-time favorite Pixar films and one of my all-time favorite animated films in general. Like I said, the film has universal appeal. It will bring a smile to your face, no matter how old you are or where you are from.

Anthony's Rating:

For more information about Finding Nemo, visit the Internet Movie Database.

In addition, check out my review of Finding Dory.