Weekend box office top 10: Finding Dory at #1 again

Move over Katniss, Princess Anna and Rey. After locating the Blue Tangs, the fish tell Dory that her parents left the institute long ago to search for her in the ocean. But, of course, Dory almost immediately, heartbreakingly does.

In the world of movie criticism, Finding Dory is now the 11th best reviewed Pixar movie, according to Rotten Tomatoes, right between Monsters, Inc. and A Bug’s Life.

One of the highlights of 2003’s Finding Nemo was the supporting character of the ever-forgetful Dory.

All hail, Pixar, queen of family cinema.

“Finding Dory” is showing at the Sebastiani Theatre.

As of its release, “Finding Nemo” was the highest grossing G-rated movie of all time.

Dory’s movie lacks the world building of “Wall-E”, “Up”, “Inside Out” or its predecessor “Finding Nemo”, but perhaps that’s the point. Crippled by her comically recurrent short-term memory loss, however, Dory’s unable to remember who they are or where they live. The jokes involving Dory focus less on poking fun at her memory, instead moving focus to how inherently silly and genuinely fun she is to be around.

She’s assisted in her efforts (or hindered, depending on how you judge him) by her old friend Marlin, and his son Nemo. We find out from her dreams that she was born with this condition and as a child it caused her to become separated from her family.

Her friends encourage her to accept herself just as she is: embrace her abilities, rather than dwelling on her disability. In fact, she seems to be treated like a child with special needs, rather than the lovable sidekick and friend from the original. Dory’s bright and colorful, in every way.

It’s a lesson I wish other filmmakers would embrace. Along the way, Dory ended up in an infirmary for sick fish that get nursed back to life. The handling of memory loss is clearly an intentional choice by plucky Pixar.

“A movie like Dory can reinvigorate a marketplace that has been in the doldrums for the last few weeks”, he says. “We felt it was important that … she’s not apologetic about anything”.

However, in an article published in the British Medical Journal, clinical neuropsychologist Sallie Baxendale praises the science in Dory’s story. Courtesy of Disney/Pixar Is there such a thing as a flawless animated movie?

Finding Dory picks up one year after the events of Finding Nemo. But other than that, this is a summer movie you don’t want to miss. But thankfully, Finding Dory doesn’t suffer from this fate.

But the national ALS organization has not jumped on board. But the filmmakers don’t make this a film about people with disabilities. Ellen Degeneres is the ideal Dory, and her parents are memorable thanks to Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton. Dory ends up meeting a hardened octopus named Hank, who is dying to end up in a aquarium in Cleveland.

First, there’s a very nice scene that follows the closing credits for those willing to wait. The fans who have been wondering about Dory’s beginning can now have closure and wonder no more. After all, the jewel of Morro Bay isn’t so far from the glossy campus where animators are pressured to continue the parade of sequels to successful Pixar films… The animation is better still than in “Dory” and the story is just plain sweet. Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to call.

Footnote: The national Alzheimer’s organization has a 24/7 hotline to answer questions and help make referrals. I tested the process, and Sherry in the Chicago office was wonderful – and hopes I’ll spread the word about their free service.