Review of "Finding Nemo" (2003)

(Though I plan on reviewing Pixar's works in chronological order, this will be my one exception, per a request from a long-time college friend)

The digital realm is easily forgotten when you first lock eyes on the visual wonder created for yet another charming tale from Disney/Pixar Animation. Finding Nemo is Pixar's fifth outing and after a moderately spotless track record they keep this one swimming in a wealth of color and three-dimensional form. Their visual language has proven to be a clear and successful method of storytelling. It captures the imagination and accommodates some fairly decent stories to boot.  What setting could be more exciting than Australia's exotic eastern coastline?

However, it's a mix of Pixar's wonderful craft and a well-written story that keeps audiences enthralled, and this time writer/director Andrew Stanton serves up just that, on a silver platter. What remains is the winning formula of comedy and gravity within the screenplay. Stanton has been involved with all the other Pixar features in the past, and it shows. Even deep under the ocean, far removed from the human subtleties that are woven into usual animations, is a rich tapestry of lifelike environments and genuine characters that are easy to connect and relate to. And in the usual Pixar tradition you get a film that bridges the age boundary and becomes wholly enjoyed by all, young and old.

I enjoyed myself for the entire duration of Finding Nemo (that included the final credits). I recommend it to all, no matter what your cinematic preference may be. Besides the lavish visual elements that have made Pixar much admired, this has been a labor of love for Andrew Stanton that started way back in 1992, prior to Toy Story. It's a new development in the path the entire production house is heading. Thomas Newman's involvement in writing music for this project shows us exactly this new direction as his score gives the film a new emotional style. It's also a "new high water mark" for CGI in general. Pixar is now an established force in animation but politely recognizes others in the industry as well. For example, there is the address (amongst other things) Wallaby Way that will be instantly recognizable to Wallace and Gromit fans and a totally tubular Sea Turtle (Crush, voiced by Stanton himself) with a very close resemblance to four post-adolescent martial art amphibian friends of his. There are also plenty of fun references to Jaws, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Monty Python and nearly every previous (and upcoming) Pixar feature. You also have Pixar's own Joe Ranft, who made famous the character of Heimlich the caterpillar from A Bug's Life, making another special appearance as the voice of Jacques the cleaner shrimp. Younger children won't get these in-jokes but for the adults it's a warm welcome.  When it comes down to it Finding Nemo is aimed at just about anyone, as long as they enjoy a well-told and inventive story. From the vibrantly lush to the murky dark, this is an absolute lure for the eyes and a catch-of-the-day for the funnybone.