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Finding Dory (Babes Review)

July 26, 2016 //  by Uju//  8 Comments

 
Finding Dory
 
It’s hard to explain why I felt so emotional at the end of Finding Dory. Maybe it was the theme of parental loss running through the movie. I saw the preview in June which had been a tough period, with Father’s Day falling on my mum’s birthday. It ain’t easy being an orphan, no matter how old you are when you bury your parents.

Maybe it was how much I relate to Dory’s sense of confusion and bewilderment, especially as someone with an innately poor sense of direction (and a strong sense of being ‘different’). Sometimes feeling like I’m swimming against the tide.

Like its prequel, Finding Dory does like to tug on the old heartstrings, but it’s overwhelmingly a snappy, light-hearted and very funny film. Just as in Finding Nemo, its underwater world is so vividly animated, you almost feel like you’re scuba diving.

 
Finding Dory and friends
 
One year on from Marlin’s quest to locate his missing son Nemo, we follow Dory as she tries to figure out where she came from and what happened to her parents. We go from open ocean to a marine biology resort where the three Rs of ‘rescue, rehabilitation and release’ are carried out.

Due to her acute short term memory condition, Dory has to rely on instinct, foolhardiness and the kindness of strangers. She befriends a seven-armed octopus (Septopus) a master of disguise who’s afraid of life in the wild. And trusty Marlin and Nemo come to Dory’s rescue, only to realise that they’re the ones who need her help.

As the title suggests, Dory’s quest becomes a journey of self-discovery as she learns to embrace her handicap and see it as a strength.

Talkative, goofy, plucky and totally loveable, Dory is played to perfection by Ellen Degeneres. Seriously, hand the lady an Oscar for Best Animated Character. She puts so much fun and feeling into the role, it’s hard to imagine anybody else bringing Dory to life.

Finding Dory is brilliant from start to fin, and yes I was weepy at the credits but in a good way. My 7-year-old turned to me: ‘Is that the end?!’ I nodded, too choked up to speak. ‘But why?!!!’

My thoughts exactly.

Finding Dory Review

(by Ezra age 10 and Jed age 7)

Bite size review: ‘It’s about a blue tank fish called Dory who’s lost her parents and has a short term memory problem. She starts to remember things about her family and goes to find them.’

Memorable moment: ‘When Marlin and Nemo bounce around on the fountains.’ (Ezra) ‘When they steal the truck!’ (Jed)

Rating: ‘5 stars.’ (Ezra) ‘At least 4 and a half stars.’ (Jed)

Age guidance: ‘3, because some moments might be scary for 2 and 1 year olds.’ (Jed) ‘Any age, it’s not that scary!’ (Ezra)

Message: ‘When you get lost, look for signs.’ (Jed) ‘Even when it seems tough, you can still make it.’ (Ezra)

Finding Dory is out in UK cinemas on Fri Jul 27. Visit Finding Dory

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Category: KidsTag: Disney, family films, kids cinema, things to do in London with kids

About Uju

Uju Asika is a writer, blogger and creative consultant. She is the author of Raising Boys Who Do Better: A Hopeful Guide for a New Generation (DK/Penguin Random House), Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World (Yellow Kite/Hachette UK) and the delightful picture book A World for Me and You, illustrated by Jennie Poh (Hachette Children's Group). Uju's books are available at Bookshop.org, Amazon, Waterstones and other good bookshops. Follow Uju @babesabouttown on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tinuke

    July 28, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    Oh wow this sounds like such a great film, I love animated films possibly more than my kid! I can’t wait to watch Finding Dory! Glad you all enjoyed it. I’m sure it’ll bring me to tears too!

  2. Honest Mum

    July 29, 2016 at 10:11 am

    The most incredible of reviews darling, so moving and I know I too will relate to a lot of the themes here (particularly often finding myself a fish out of water with these fishes in water!). We adore Nemo and I know the sequel will live up to it. Love the boys’ bitesize quotes. Love you guys xx

  3. Uju

    August 3, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    Thanks for your words lovely, hope you enjoy the movie as much as we do, it’s fantastic! :-) x

  4. Uju

    August 3, 2016 at 3:51 pm

    Let me know what you think Tinuke, I actually was preparing myself for a let-down because we loved Finding Nemo so much but it’s as good if not possibly better than the original. Disney Pixar just keep on knocking it out of the park!

  5. Chloe (Sorry About The Mess)

    August 17, 2016 at 8:58 am

    I felt very emotional too watching Finding Dory. Much more than Finding Nemo, which is also about parental loss, but it was much more from the child’s POV in Finding Dory. I loved this review and the thoughtful messages your sons gained from it.

  6. Uju

    August 31, 2016 at 4:37 pm

    Thanks so much Chloe, it was such a powerful film on such a simple level, really enjoyed it and you’re right about the POV making that impact. Thanks for lovely comments x

  7. Sophie at Franglaise Mummy

    September 2, 2016 at 10:54 am

    I really can’t wait to watch it, I went to see it at the cinema here with some expat friends but sadly they were only showing the French version and our friends don’t speak French, but as soon as it’s out on DVD it’s family film time here! x

  8. Uju

    September 2, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    Aww it’s such a lovely film Sophie, I’m already looking forward to watching it again on DVD too! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did :-) x

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I’m Uju, author, blogger, screenwriter. I curate cool finds and experiences for city families. Read more…

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