A quibble with Scott's suggestion (mangled or otherwise, that's how it reads) of Nemo as the "hero" of "Finding Nemo": the hero of that tale -- the one with a sidekick, the one with a quest, the one who faced obstacles to overcome and lessons to learn -- was Marlin.
2
Is A.O. Scott kidding? This is the worst movie that I've seen in years. There's no plot and no real characters to speak of, just a numbing succession of pointless action scenes -- devoid of any humor or interest whatsoever. We walked out halfway through the movie and did well to stick it out that long. Don't waste your money!
Finding Dory is boring, unimaginative and it's "heart warming" message is so banal that Hallmark would think twice about printing it in one of their cards. This movie is barely a sequel; calling it a "variation" is generous: it is really a second -- or third -- rate re-make of "finding Nemo," that is, as this wildly over-generous review notes, nothing more than a "merchandising opportunity for Disney."
1
“Finding Dory” fails to celebrate all. Those with involved disabilities - like the loon "everyone" laughs at - are excluded, taken advantage of. "She will do anything if you bond with her," and a seal has his bucket stolen and is then kicked off the rock. Imagine this as real.
I live with a young man in his 20s - a no longer child - and who, in the disabled community, is on the fringe. We pay college tuition for care that barely permits work, that allowed him to escape and head down the street while seeking his beloved "Amy" (an imaginary nurse he believes will take him home), that once failed to give a response to an emergency inquiry about hospice needs.
"Finding Dory" is Special Olympics. This man was shunned from his school’s team; after practice his chair came home damaged. “Maybe it wasn't up for it." Or maybe our "it" wasn't up for it; he can't drive half walking pace without veering off path.
The stress probably helped end my spouse's 1st marriage, helped drive drug-use by his 2nd son, and threatens to break his 2nd marriage; I worry about our daughter's exposure and fight to maintain normality when friends come and her much older brother is, as part of his disability, screaming. It was fiction when we married. It's bull now.
I watched "Finding Dory" with constant anxiety, my eyes were non-stop watery, I held my daughters hand. I noticed she didn't laugh at the loon and instead she came home complaining of a headache. That is the one good thing I saw.
I live with a young man in his 20s - a no longer child - and who, in the disabled community, is on the fringe. We pay college tuition for care that barely permits work, that allowed him to escape and head down the street while seeking his beloved "Amy" (an imaginary nurse he believes will take him home), that once failed to give a response to an emergency inquiry about hospice needs.
"Finding Dory" is Special Olympics. This man was shunned from his school’s team; after practice his chair came home damaged. “Maybe it wasn't up for it." Or maybe our "it" wasn't up for it; he can't drive half walking pace without veering off path.
The stress probably helped end my spouse's 1st marriage, helped drive drug-use by his 2nd son, and threatens to break his 2nd marriage; I worry about our daughter's exposure and fight to maintain normality when friends come and her much older brother is, as part of his disability, screaming. It was fiction when we married. It's bull now.
I watched "Finding Dory" with constant anxiety, my eyes were non-stop watery, I held my daughters hand. I noticed she didn't laugh at the loon and instead she came home complaining of a headache. That is the one good thing I saw.
1
Sorry for your situation, Debra, but you're really projection your issues onto a sweet movie.
3
Before even seeing the first frame of "Dory," it is already challenged by the high standard set by its predecessor ("Nemo") and the short immediately before, "Piper."
That said, it's a wonderful film, layered in several deep messages. I imagine I'll be taking in a few viewings to parse the different perspectives. There's a level of complexity -- chaos? -- that doesn't make it easy to shift and focus on one message throughout.
And that's okay because it parallels the thinking of Dory. I'm not sure if the writers aimed for that on purpose, but I would be surprised if they did not consider that detail, or think to use it in the storytelling. If you think of "Nemo" and how the scenes involving Marlin were straight-forward, focused, it makes sense to have the opposite in "Dory."
As with "Nemo," the visuals are stunning, a wonderful storytelling device in its own right, especially when the tale gets a little murky. I can't remember the last time I felt as trapped as the protagonist in a film.
No, "Dory" is not on par with the films of Pixar's golden age, but is definitely worthy of a high ranking among its second-era efforts.
That said, it's a wonderful film, layered in several deep messages. I imagine I'll be taking in a few viewings to parse the different perspectives. There's a level of complexity -- chaos? -- that doesn't make it easy to shift and focus on one message throughout.
And that's okay because it parallels the thinking of Dory. I'm not sure if the writers aimed for that on purpose, but I would be surprised if they did not consider that detail, or think to use it in the storytelling. If you think of "Nemo" and how the scenes involving Marlin were straight-forward, focused, it makes sense to have the opposite in "Dory."
As with "Nemo," the visuals are stunning, a wonderful storytelling device in its own right, especially when the tale gets a little murky. I can't remember the last time I felt as trapped as the protagonist in a film.
No, "Dory" is not on par with the films of Pixar's golden age, but is definitely worthy of a high ranking among its second-era efforts.
1
I just saw Dory with my son who has CP, and we loved it ! we left the show feeling great,. Stay till the end of the credits it is worth your time,
2
I've never actually seen this movie but I have seen Finding Nemo. Finding Nemo brings tears to even the toughest persons eyes. Dory is a humorous, enjoyable character that has made me laugh on multiple occasions so when I got word of this movie, of course I was excited. As far as I'm concerned, this article basically covers the story where Dory is the main character instead of Nemo. This movie tells the ups and downs of her journey as she traces her way back to her origins. With a disability that is as much of a setback as it is a strength, it shows just how strong she really is. A possible theme could be to not let small things keep you from what your heart wants you to do. It's an inspiration to all people out there.
After "Nemo" it seemed like everyone wanted saltwater tanks with clownfish. Marine tanks are gorgeous, but they take work and the investment of money and time to keep their residents alive and healthy.
I hope that the rush for a new pet (i.e., a fish tank with a blue tang) phenomenon is not repeated with the release of "Dory." Blue tangs cannot breed in captivity, and so they are snatched from reefs by divers -- like Nemo was in "Finding Nemo" but not so nicely. Upwards of 50% of blue tangs are caught through cyanide fishing to make them easy to catch -- but plenty die.
The Center for Biological Diversity in the US has expressed concerns that the blue tang will experience an unprecedented increase in demand following the movie's release. This could further devastate and deplete the species' wild population, contribute to reef destruction, and to the deaths of many unwanted species which are collaterally poisoned.
Enjoy the movie, but please see the live version of the beautiful fish at an accredited aquarium.
I hope that the rush for a new pet (i.e., a fish tank with a blue tang) phenomenon is not repeated with the release of "Dory." Blue tangs cannot breed in captivity, and so they are snatched from reefs by divers -- like Nemo was in "Finding Nemo" but not so nicely. Upwards of 50% of blue tangs are caught through cyanide fishing to make them easy to catch -- but plenty die.
The Center for Biological Diversity in the US has expressed concerns that the blue tang will experience an unprecedented increase in demand following the movie's release. This could further devastate and deplete the species' wild population, contribute to reef destruction, and to the deaths of many unwanted species which are collaterally poisoned.
Enjoy the movie, but please see the live version of the beautiful fish at an accredited aquarium.
10
One of the most boring movies I've ever seem. Pretty, though. (I loved Finding Nemo.)
3
Saw it yesterday with high hopes. Some really funny sight gags and the octopus is great, but like many sequels, it felt like it was spinning it's wheels (fins?) madly trying to make a compelling story and fill 100 minutes.
2
Good to hear. The other Disney/Pixar sequels have felt like the straight-to-DVD fare we've learned to expect from Disney. May not be up to Toy Story standards but those sequels (both of them) are about as good as any you can think of.
2
"In a way that is both emphatic and subtle, “Finding Dory” is a celebration of cognitive and physical differences. It argues, with lovely ingenuity and understatement, that what appear to be impairments might better be understood as strengths."
For those of you who might be interested in a literary take on this same theme that is also by turns whimsical and profound, I suggest Tom Robbins, "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues." A lovely relic from the 70s, it was a much earlier and very successful presentation of difference as something not merely to be tolerated, but celebrated for its novel and enlightening perspectives.
For those of you who might be interested in a literary take on this same theme that is also by turns whimsical and profound, I suggest Tom Robbins, "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues." A lovely relic from the 70s, it was a much earlier and very successful presentation of difference as something not merely to be tolerated, but celebrated for its novel and enlightening perspectives.
3
Who's Dory again? I forget.
20
". . . imaginatively called 'Finding Dory,' . . . ."
"Unimaginatively" would be more appropriate. Is this a typo, or is Mr. Scott engaging in some sort of tongue-in-cheek send-up? His first description of the movie as a "merchandising opportunity for Disney" has me wondering.
"Unimaginatively" would be more appropriate. Is this a typo, or is Mr. Scott engaging in some sort of tongue-in-cheek send-up? His first description of the movie as a "merchandising opportunity for Disney" has me wondering.
2
Pretty sure he was making a joke about how unimaginative the title of this new movie is.
12
Pixar is the only source of movies with warmth, a loving heart and a social conscience. I hope this one follows the genius of its predecessors.
Movies are a powerful tool to shape popular culture. The violence and inhumanity in action and horror movies is escalating. They numb the public to real horror and may set standards for the mentally unstable among us. We need more Dorys......
Movies are a powerful tool to shape popular culture. The violence and inhumanity in action and horror movies is escalating. They numb the public to real horror and may set standards for the mentally unstable among us. We need more Dorys......
12
One of the strengths of the original, and weaknesses of the sequel, was the absolutely stunning ocean cinematography.
Most of the ocean shots in this one are frankly just ugly.
There's no visually comparable scene in this one to the Jellyfish bounce; and nothing comes close to
the ambiance of the bombed out ship wreck. There's just kelp.
It's a wonderful movie, I cried multiple times. But, barring a brief shot where Dory is all alone in the emptiness and the camera pans out slightly to leave her even smaller nothing was visually striking to me -- and considering how many visually iconic moments the first had, I'm disappointed in this.
Most of the ocean shots in this one are frankly just ugly.
There's no visually comparable scene in this one to the Jellyfish bounce; and nothing comes close to
the ambiance of the bombed out ship wreck. There's just kelp.
It's a wonderful movie, I cried multiple times. But, barring a brief shot where Dory is all alone in the emptiness and the camera pans out slightly to leave her even smaller nothing was visually striking to me -- and considering how many visually iconic moments the first had, I'm disappointed in this.
4
Mr. Scott,
I'm sorry, did you say "startling mediocrity of Cars 2"? Sir, did you actually see Cars 2? It was the best, most clever movie sequel ever made. Compare it to, say, the Shrek series. It brilliantly developed the characters and was a marvelous take off on the James Bond movies. Fantastically animated, I found it to be the perfect response to the demand for more Lightning McQueen and Mater.
I'm sorry, did you say "startling mediocrity of Cars 2"? Sir, did you actually see Cars 2? It was the best, most clever movie sequel ever made. Compare it to, say, the Shrek series. It brilliantly developed the characters and was a marvelous take off on the James Bond movies. Fantastically animated, I found it to be the perfect response to the demand for more Lightning McQueen and Mater.
1
Hey! My family LOVED Cars 2! What's mediocre about promoting an end to dependence on fossil fuels? Or exposing kids to multiple countries, languages and cultures? Or reiterating the old adage that we shouldn't judge others by the way they look? Or giving girls a role in the world saving action?
14
Nothing's mediocre about those messages... but they're not going to resonate if trapped within a mediocre MOVIE.
One of the chief reasons for looking forward to this movie is the return of Andrew Stanton. He was dealt a terrible, utterly undeserved blow by the incompetence/malfeasance of the (then current) Disney marketing department’s botched/sabotaged rollout of “John Carter,” a movie much beloved by those who actually saw it.
I’m on my high horse; I’m going to roll with it. The failure of “Mars Needs Moms” led to the panicked deletion of “Of Mars” from the “John Carter” movie’s title, to the point where the acknowledgement of that source was a triumphant moment at the end of the film.
By contrast, the savvy and brazenly confident release of “Frozen’s” crown jewel – “Let It Go” – helped drive that film past the billion dollar mark.
Andrew deserved better, and I sincerely hope this film will play out that way. Here’s hoping that “John Carter of Mars” gets its well-deserved chance for a sequel.
I’m on my high horse; I’m going to roll with it. The failure of “Mars Needs Moms” led to the panicked deletion of “Of Mars” from the “John Carter” movie’s title, to the point where the acknowledgement of that source was a triumphant moment at the end of the film.
By contrast, the savvy and brazenly confident release of “Frozen’s” crown jewel – “Let It Go” – helped drive that film past the billion dollar mark.
Andrew deserved better, and I sincerely hope this film will play out that way. Here’s hoping that “John Carter of Mars” gets its well-deserved chance for a sequel.
10
I feel like i"m the only person on the planet who hates the song "Let It Go."
9
You are not alone -- that makes two of us. :-)
3
Stay on that high horse, randyman -- John Carter is a great movie that really captured the spirit of the books.
children born in 2003 and 2004, seen the movie only 1,000 times- bring it on
15
Yeah, and remarkably, enjoyed it every time. I look forward to the sequel -- with or without the kid!
4
Those "children" are now in their late teens - but I will bet that they still find an excuse to see this movie, too. (Even if a PG movie for kids in un-hip, un-cool, etc.,) EVERYONE loved the first round! :)
I think a big limitation for Pixar is their unwillingness to feature compelling — or even prominent — villains. It's pretty rare that you get even flashes of kid-appropriate menace — the baddie at the end of Monsters Inc. and the Hal 9000 analog trying to kill Wall-E come to mind. It's even rarer to see a villain with an appreciable psychology. I'd put Lots-O and maybe Stinky Pete in that group. But in 16 features Pixar has crafted only one villain that keeps me coming back: Syndrome. Does every movie need a great baddie? Of course not. But short of a brilliant premise like those of Ratatouille, Wall-E, or Inside Out, including a complex villain may be one of the best ways to craft emotionally nuanced stories that appeals to kids and adults.
7
So you want Pixar just to follow a formula?
2
Personally, I appreciate that Pixar realizes that they can tell, and sell, a great story without a great deal of ugliness, evil, violence, and conflict to make it "good." The only things that villainy adds to a movie are negatives -- so why have a villain if you have a great story without one?
7
Pixar's villains can't be seen. In Toy Story the villain is time, in The Incredibles it's the about ego, in Monster's Inc. it's change, in Up it's mortality, in Finding Nemo it's parental inadequacy, in Finding Dory it's social identity. I was more touched by Dory's inability to connect with others than her search for her parents- and I'm a person raised in foster care. I know familial displacement. The responses to her pleas were more often pity than indifference but that Dory herself could not contribute to her own aid was the most heart breaking aspect. People with brain injuries and mental deficiencies are often in this position. When they self detonate they perpetuate their spiral of helplessness that brings these responses to the surface.
Mediocre writing produces evident bad guys. In good writing the antagonist is usually created by the protagonist, even the ones that manifest as a person- such as Incrediboy into Syndrome. Mr. Incredible may be searching for a bad guy but he only wins when he admits his ego is his enemy and in accepting collaboration with others he creates strength that transcends physicality. In Finding Dory, her enemies are our ultimate foes- isolation and loss of identity. The pollution, the One Flew Over the Cuckcoo's nest Hospital- terrifying evidence of abstraction from our environment. The only antidote is compassion. Dory is a panacea for all those who seem lost. My only wish is that it didn't have to be so candy coated to go down,
Mediocre writing produces evident bad guys. In good writing the antagonist is usually created by the protagonist, even the ones that manifest as a person- such as Incrediboy into Syndrome. Mr. Incredible may be searching for a bad guy but he only wins when he admits his ego is his enemy and in accepting collaboration with others he creates strength that transcends physicality. In Finding Dory, her enemies are our ultimate foes- isolation and loss of identity. The pollution, the One Flew Over the Cuckcoo's nest Hospital- terrifying evidence of abstraction from our environment. The only antidote is compassion. Dory is a panacea for all those who seem lost. My only wish is that it didn't have to be so candy coated to go down,
4
This old guy will be all over this one like a cheap suit. "Finding Nemo," "Up," "Toy Story" and "Ratatouille" are my favourite foreign movies! (I'm Scottish :-) I have a particular fondness for Dory, because I had an accidental brain operation 30 years ago that left me basically like her, except for the amusing parts.
(What is it like? The contestant says: "I'll take "Geology" for $300, Alex," but by the time Alex has read the question, you've forgotten the category. But you plays the hand youse dealt, and it's honestly not too bad in here.)
Back to the movie: Hollywood blockbusters leave me cold, but Pixar and its ilk are usually a refreshing human tonic.
(What is it like? The contestant says: "I'll take "Geology" for $300, Alex," but by the time Alex has read the question, you've forgotten the category. But you plays the hand youse dealt, and it's honestly not too bad in here.)
Back to the movie: Hollywood blockbusters leave me cold, but Pixar and its ilk are usually a refreshing human tonic.
62
OMG. Ratatouille is fabulous. Probably my very favorite animated movie. Underrated indeed!
12
something tells me there's no alligators in this one...
9
Pretty sick, not to mention unfunny, comment, Vaporland. Moreover, it serves absolutely constructive purpose.
21
Awww. Too soon for some people?
2
My comment was meant as a satirical take on Disney's rapacious appropriation of popular culture.
Disney devours culture like.... well, hmmm...
I know there's an 'appropriate' metaphor for what I am trying to say...
Disney devours culture like.... well, hmmm...
I know there's an 'appropriate' metaphor for what I am trying to say...
This sounds like a fun movie, but as the mom of an internationally adopted child, the preview made me cringe, what with the searching for birth family theme. Talk about triggering. I wish the people who make these movies would think about such things. This movie may be fine, but so many out there (including the TV show Modern Family) make light of adoption.
8
This is why there are parents, and why parental guidance is suggested (besides the scary parts). No one is making light of adoption, but if you think that your child may have trouble with this story line, it is your choice whether s/he sees the movie. The issue of finding, or defining, family is not one that is limited to adoptees, as many children in our society are raised by adults other than their biological mothers/fathers. This movie might actually be a good one for starting a discussion with kids about family, depending on the child's age and comprehension.
5
The thought of finding biological parents is bound to cross your child's mind, movie or not.
10
Excited to see it!!!! My daughter has LDs and it was a ton of work when she was younger to figure out how to explain her differences to her (and as needed, others) in a way that empowered and not hindered. We settled on describing her differences as the occupational hazards of having a big, vibrant, creative brain. It certainly helped that she literally has a big head!!! :-)
When she was little, I overheard her saying to her friend. "the reason I can't read yet is I have so many nerves in my heads they've not all connected, but they will. But right now, it's just the drawing and painting nerves that work well." It was cute, poignant and funny, but true...... I also worked hard to introduce her to all of the different thinkers in the world that started out with LDs--from Richard Branson, to Winston Churchill to Danny Glover to in between. I really appreciate being able to take her to a movie that reaffirms that intelligence, competence and human contributions come in different hues, shapes and sizes. Bravo Dory!
When she was little, I overheard her saying to her friend. "the reason I can't read yet is I have so many nerves in my heads they've not all connected, but they will. But right now, it's just the drawing and painting nerves that work well." It was cute, poignant and funny, but true...... I also worked hard to introduce her to all of the different thinkers in the world that started out with LDs--from Richard Branson, to Winston Churchill to Danny Glover to in between. I really appreciate being able to take her to a movie that reaffirms that intelligence, competence and human contributions come in different hues, shapes and sizes. Bravo Dory!
45
"If I want to send a message, I'll call Western Union" ~~Sam Goldwyn
As true today as it was then. Avoid this one like the plague.
As true today as it was then. Avoid this one like the plague.
11
But did you even see it? You may avoid all such films like a plague, but is it fair to advise everyone to do so without your having seen the work in question. Maybe some sweet film will prove to be the exception to the rule for you, who knows? Life's fulla surprises.
14
Seriously? You'll be hard pressed to find many films without a message and thus without meaning. Well, with the exception of fantasy comic books movies, which are an utter bore. Pixar films have been significantly more insightful than many "serious" ones. Did you see Inside Out? Both message and meaning, and essential to being human.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Choosing not to reproduce should also be a valid choice:
The children's book, "Lemons and Lightbulbs," tackles this issue, as well as celebrating being different.
The children's book, "Lemons and Lightbulbs," tackles this issue, as well as celebrating being different.
2
Dory. I love her character. Glad she's back.
14
I'm so gleeful about this movie!
7