Just Keep Swimming with Finding Dory {Review}

It’s here! It’s finally here…. Finding Dory! It’s been 13 years since Finding Nemo came out, I cannot believe it’s actually been that long. Let me tell you though, it was well worth the wait. We recently watched Finding Dory as a family, yes we brought Addie with us for her first movie, and we are thrilled to get to share with you our thoughts on it, and Evie’s favourites.

Synopsis: Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” welcomes back to the big screen everyone’s favourite forgetful blue tang Dory (voice of Ellen DeGeneres), who’s living happily in the reef with Marlin (voice of Albert Brooks) and Nemo (voice of Hayden Rolence). When Dory suddenly remembers that she has a family out there who may be looking for her, the trio takes off on a life-changing adventure across the ocean to California’s prestigious Marine Life Institute, a rehabilitation center and aquarium. In an effort to find her mom (voice of Diane Keaton) and dad (voice of Eugene Levy), Dory enlists the help of three of the MLI’s most intriguing residents: Hank (voice of Ed O’Neill), a cantankerous octopus who frequently gives employees the slip; Bailey (voice of Ty Burrell), a beluga whale who is convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz; and Destiny (voice of Kaitlin Olson), a nearsighted whale shark. Deftly navigating the complex inner workings of the MLI, Dory and her friends discover the magic within their flaws, friendships and family.

All of your favourite characters are back, and with a whole group of great new characters. If you watch Modern Family at all you will recognize two voices instantly. Bailey the beluga is voiced by Ty Burrell, and Hank the septopus (yes septopus not octopus, he only has 7 legs) is voiced by Ed O’Neill. Hank is the perfect bit of rough around the edges character, and is helping Dory find her parents when she ends up in a marine life institute. Bailey is part of the group of different characters that bring a comedic side to the story.

This is a movie for all ages. When we went to the screening there truly was a diverse age group seeing it. Even Addie, at 8 months, was immersed in the movie. Sure she may have just been taken in by all of the bright colours, but I’ll take it. She did great through her first movie, though she did fall asleep for the last hour, which we expected any ways. 

We asked Evie on the car ride home from the theatre what some of her favourite things from Find Dory were, here’s her list:

• Her favourite characters were Nemo with his special fin, and Dory is just so funny.
• Getting to wear 3D glasses (she loved them so much they came home with us).
• When Dory found her Mommy and Daddy, her family!

I was surprised recently that she recalled so much from the film. During a visit to the beach, she started collecting sea shells to help Dory find her way home. When you see the movie you will understand what that is in reference too. 

If you are thinking of taking younger kids to see Finding Dory there is one scene that is a bit frightening, it involves a squid who is suddenly after Marlin and Nemo. This is Disney•Pixar so the scene is over as quick as it began, and don’t worry no fish are harmed.

They have definitely done it again, this movie is one that will be added to the classics. We are already wanting to see it again, and we probably will. It is a movie that I know we will also be adding to our movie collection. You are sure to laugh, perhaps tear up a little, and be thrilled to learn a little bit more about Dory.