Finding Nemo

⭐9/10

What a movie! This is usually one I neglect to mention when considering the all-time Pixar classics, and I think that's because I haven't watched it in a decade. Well that's corrected now, and this one is indeed one of the classics. 

As far as originality, this probably has the most basic premise among those from that era of Pixar. A baby fish gets captured, and his dad has to travel the sea to find him. But the thing I forgot about this movie is that it is a true Odyssey remake. This is a true adventure story of our hero traversing a treacherous and mystical ocean, overcoming insurmountable odds, taking on impossible challenges. Every single encounter they have is memorable and engaging - the vegan sharks, the bouncing jellies, the Californian turtles, the whale. Awesome, awesome stuff. 

And the best part? Our hero is no Odysseys, but rather an anxious dad paired with a forgetful, ditzy Ellen DeGeneres (has Ellen done much else? Amazing performance here, basically steals the show). I love that pairing, a fish who can't forget a traumatic event and let's it control every aspect of his life, and a fish who can't remember if she has a family. They are great together. I also love a male/ female pairing that's not romantic. 

This movie gets a ton of other details right. I love most of the tank crew, with Willem Dafoe giving his sexiest performance. Darla is a pretty great villain. The Oceans 11 escape plan is pretty funny. 

Yeah, just a wonderful movie. I will admit there are moments I thought hold it back just slightly from a ten. I know it's a kids movie, but it could have done with a touch of subtlety on Marlin's part in terms of him needing to chill out. There are a few moments that are maybe a little too sentimental. But anyways it's a terrific movie and among the greats. I really do think it is to Odessey what Lion King is to Hamlet. Keep doing the classics!