Finding Nemo (2003)

Who knows why it has taken me this long to see Finding Nemo; it's not for lack of recommendations. Nearly five years later later, I finally see what all the fuss is about.

Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks), a neurotic clown fish, is the overly protective father of Nemo-- a cute little fellow with a desire to explore the big beautiful ocean. Marlin isn't having any of that! After a spat with his father, Nemo sets out to prove he can do it only to get caught by scuba divers and added to an aquarium.

Determined to find his son, Marlin sets out and has a few adventures along the way. First up, is a new friend. Dory (Ellen Degeneres) is plagued by short-term memory loss, but joins Marlin is his quest to find Nemo. Marlin and Dory meet a trio of reformed sharks, Bruce, Anchor, and Chum. They are on the twelve step program to stop eating fish. Then there's Crush, a thrill seeking gnarly sea turtle. The adventure takes them to the depths of the ocean where danger lurks, through a swarm of jellyfish and even a whale. There friendship will be tested and Marlin will learn life lessons.

Meanwhile, Nemo is finding his own way. He's the new addition to an Australian dentist's office aquarium. There, he meets some interesting characters led by the battle-hardened Gill (Willem Dafoe). There's Peach the starfish (Allison Janey) and Bloat the blow fish (Brad Garrett) don't forget Bubbles and Gurgle, too. He soon becomes a member of the tank, nicknamed 'Shark Bait' and tries to help everyone escape the tank. Nemo is determined to get back to the ocean and his father.

Word is spreading about father and son. Marlin's tale reaches the ear of local pelican Nigel (Geoffrey Rush) who in turns, knows Nemo. It seems all of deep blue turn out to reunited these two fish.

Finding Nemo is an instant classic. It's brilliantly animated. The vivid detail and color just leap of the screen. With unforgettable characters and great dialogue, the movie is a gem. Although Finding Nemo was before A Bug's Life, Cars and The Incredibles, it further cements Pixar's place in cinematic history. The animation is mind-blowing. It's as if the fish are really swimming. You can see the current-- reach out and touch the coral. Light and texture bounce off of every little detail. It's amazing!

It wouldn't be Disney without some attempt at themes and political correctness. Relationships are examined. (So is global warming.) Death and danger are looked squarely in the eye and innocence always wins- still, Finding Nemo has bite. Parents and children alike will find something to connect to here. A word of caution: children under seven may take a fright or two.

Finding Nemo deserves a place on your Disney shelf right next to Toy Story and Sleeping Beauty. (You know you've got one.) It's a great catch. *rolls eyes*