Thirteen years after “Finding Nemo,” we finally get a sequel, and critics are calling “Finding Dory” “supremely delightful” and an “absolute must-see.”
“‘Finding Dory’ is rousingly entertaining, with side-jokes and supporting characters that will take their place in the pantheon alongside the ‘Mine! Mine!’ seagulls and surfer-dude turtles (both factions turn up briefly here) from the original,” TheWrap’s film critic, Alonso Duralde wrote. “In a year full of sequels nobody really wanted, this is one that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the first one; for that alone, it just keeps swimming against the current.”
“Finding Dory” has a stellar score of 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The sequel stars Ellen DeGeneres, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Albert Brooks, Ty Burrell, Diane Keaton and Idris Elba.
The animated film opens on Friday, June 17.
See 6 of the best reviews below.
Tim Grierson, Screen International:
“Getting back in the water 13 years after ‘Finding Nemo,’ ‘Finding Dory’ is a supremely delightful sequel. Although never challenging the original’s high standing within the Pixar pantheon, this follow-up showcases everything the venerated animation company does so well, providing plentiful laughs, ace action sequences and a deep emotional wellspring.”
Anna King, Time Out:
“Pixar’s wizardry is baked into every detail, from the sun-dappled ocean surfaces to the underwater visuals that border on photorealism. It’s unforgettable stuff. A ‘Nemo’ trilogy might be pushing the franchise too far (does the world really need ‘Finding Marlin?’), but Dory’s journey of self-discovery is a worthy partner to its predecessor.”
David Ehrlich, IndieWire:
“‘Finding Dory’ doesn’t feel lazy, cynical, or like a rehash. On the contrary, it does what a sequel should — it’s a compelling argument for why we make them in the first place.”
Mike Ryan, Uproxx:
“I never thought I wanted a sequel to ‘Finding Nemo,’ but here we are and I’m pretty happy it exists. And, again, for me, it was a more emotional experience than the first film. ‘Finding Dory’ got me – it made me cry.”
Peter Sciretta, Slashfilm:
“‘Finding Dory’ is an example of why we should never underestimate Pixar. Did we need a sequel to ‘Finding Nemo?’ No. This film is unnecessary… yet somehow ‘Finding Dory’ is a fun, rewarding emotional journey … In its best moments, Dory is more emotional and funnier than its predecessor. The movie feels more of a result of Pixar 2.0, somehow a more complex and layered adventure.”
Randolph Ramsay, GameSpot:
“In ‘Finding Dory,’ the titular blue tang’s melancholy backstory takes center stage as she and her pals journey to find her long-lost parents. And the result is one of Pixar Studio’s funniest, most emotionally rich movies. ‘Finding Dory’ is filled with compelling characters (both old and new), plenty of laugh out loud moments, and several exciting set pieces, all propped up by a heartfelt core that has a lot to say about love and acceptance. The film is an intricately balanced mix of the affecting and the uproarious, and it’s an absolute must-see.”