With a short-term memory problem, young Dory (Murray) is taught mnemonic tricks by her parents (Keaton and Levy) but still loses them. Years later, Dory (now DeGeneres) has a spark of recollection and sets off to find them, accompanied by pal Marlin (Brooks) and his son Nemo (Rolence). Crossing the ocean, they arrive at a California marine life sanctuary, where they're separated. Dory befriends Hank (O'Neill), a seven-tentacled octopus, and meets the whale shark Destiny (Olson) and the beluga whale Bailey (Burrell). Marlin and Nemo get help from two chucklehead sea lions (Elba and West).

The colourful animation keeps audiences entertained throughout this odyssey, which plays out as a series of set-pieces rather than a sustained journey. Character arcs are fairly simple, especially for Dory, who seems to get less forgetful as the movie goes along, so she can learn important life lessons about perseverance, the value of family and listening to that inner voice. At least these are strong messages that will resonate with viewers, driven home by a series of big emotional scenes that thankfully never feel sentimental.

Vocally, DeGeneres again gives Dory a loveable personality to make everything that happens both witty and engaging. O'Neill has the best sidekick role as the slippery Hank, while Brooks and Rolence have a nice little adventure of their own. Most of the other characters are essentially single jokes that add texture and a few good laughs, if nothing terribly meaningful. And the vocal appearance of Sigourney Weaver creates a superb running gag.

Where the movie jumps the shark, as it were, is in its plainly ridiculous action sequences, which involve tiny fish traversing dry land thanks to a lot of conveniently placed plastic cups, none of which contain fizzy drinks, thankfully. Stanton deploys adorably cuddly critters with a tongue in his cheek, but he does it anyway. And in the final chase sequence, all of this becomes rather far too much to take, obliterating both suspense and the ability to suspend disbelief. But at least there are some real feelings underneath the silly mayhem.

themes, some violence

26.Jun.16