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Finding Nemo 3D (Frank’s Take).

There is something fishy going on with Finding Nemo 3D and that is a good thing for the kiddies and adults looking to get hooked in the mouth with this succulent sea adventure from the creative minds at Pixar.

When Finding Nemo first hit the big screen in 2003, the fearless fish was a refreshing wandering protagonist burdened by the overprotective worries of his father. Almost a decade later, Nemo is treated to an updated facelift complete with 3D flourishes that makes this familiar “fin”-icky friend of ours all the more sympathetic and endearing.

Something looks mighty fishy between Nemo and his associate.

Now re-released in its 3D reincarnation, Finding Nemo 3D will remind today’s youngsters why it was such deep sea gem the first time around nearly ten years ago. There are some startling and realistic themes that may be difficult for preschoolers to comprehend in terms of abandonment issues, loss of life, dubious oceanic predators and father-son conflicts. Still, the excitement and the emotional surge is what propels Finding Nemo 3D to its cadence as highly spirited family fare.

In recapping the premise of Nemo for those that have foreign knowledge about this tender and touching tale it tells the saga of a father and son clown fish at odds with different survival philosophies. Father Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) is concerned about his independence-seeking, physically deformed son Nemo (Alexander Gould) which triggers some psychological fears.

The backstory behind Marlin’s need to shelter Nemo has something to do with his widowed status (Marlin lost his wife and all but one egg to a vicious predator). So Marlin is understandably nervous and terrified that his surviving son Nemo (equipped with an undeveloped fin) is susceptible to the same kind of ominous pests that previously claimed his treasured family.

From Nemo’s point of view his father’s overprotection is preventing him from discovering the wonders of his exotic surroundings. Nemo feels like a prisoner and wants to escape the clutches of his worrisome dad. The restrictions are unbearable and Nemo simply cannot take anymore of Marlin’s paranoia.

Armed with rebellion and the need for freedom, Nemo travels to a forbidden section of the sea where he is ultimately captured by an Australian diver/dentist. Soon, Nemo is deemed as a pet in the dentist’s fish tank back at his office. What is Nemo going to do in escaping the aquarium’s confines? Better yet, how will Nemo deal with being the inevitable possession of the dentist’s abusive niece Darla?

Apparently Marlin’s fears have come true as his son Nemo is in dire jeopardy. Out to rescue his endangered son, Marlin ventures out into the cynical ocean depths that he tried to keep Nemo from caustically experiencing. Along the way Marlin runs into all sorts of toothy creatures and stressful dilemmas. Thankfully, he befriends a cheeky and forgetful blue tang named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) who accompanies Marlin en route for his search for Nemo.

In the meanwhile, Nemo is a hit with the other fish in the claustrophobic aquarium. An acquaintance in particular, a feisty tiger fish Gill (Willem Dafoe), is determined to help Nemo escape. And so both Nemo and Marlin try their darn efforts to reunite despite the adversity that confronts them. Is Nemo’s need to take off into the uncertainty of his underwater existence a cautionary lesson in disguise? Should Marlin scale back his concerns and realize that hovering over his son is not the solution to safe parenting?

The visual vitality in the original version of Finding Nemo was already exquisite as the candy-colored imagery and the watery landscape is indescribably breathtaking in aesthetic scope. So in adding the 3D special effects to a verified treat that is rich and robust in story, characterization, reflection, wit and imagination only heightens this Disney dandy beyond its bright and contemplative aura.

More important, filmmakers Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich pad the exploits of Nemo and Marlin with life lessons that are very crucial to the development of parenting and the willingness for children to spread their wings and discover an unassuming world that is not always friendly and understanding. The impish performers provide skillful and convincing voiceover work led by Brooks, DeGeneres and Nemo alter ego Gould.

In short, going fishing once again with Nemo and his sea-worthy sidekicks in 3D mode is a relatable morality play for children and adults willing to embrace colorful fresh-water filmmaking with heart and humanity.

Finding Nemo 3D (Walt Disney Pictures)

1 hr. 40 mins.

Starring (the voices of): Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Allison Janney, Stephen Root, Geoffrey Rush, Stephen Root, Austin Pendleton, Eric Bana, John Ratzenberger, Elizabeth Perkins

Directed by: Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich

MPAA Rating: G

Genre: Animation/Kids & Family/Fantasy

 

Critic’s Rating: *** stars (out of 4 stars).

FrankOchieng

Frank Ochieng has contributed film reviews to SF Crowsnest off and on since 2003. He has been published in other various movie site venues throughout the years. Ochieng has been part of The Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) and had written film reviews for The Boston Banner newspaper (USA) and frequently is a media/entertainment panelist on WBZ NewsRadio 1030 AM on "The Jordan Rich Show" in Boston, Massachusetts/USA.

One thought on “Finding Nemo 3D (Frank’s Take).

  • I love this movie. Great review!

    Reply

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