Read Mixed User Reviews for Finding Dory

6

masamunerikuJun 17, 2016

Finding Dory has its amusing and funny moments however the overarching story fails to deliver - especially for a pixar movie.

The biggest issue that I have with this movie is that it is almost solely fueled by 'deus ex machina' moments. ItFinding Dory has its amusing and funny moments however the overarching story fails to deliver - especially for a pixar movie.

The biggest issue that I have with this movie is that it is almost solely fueled by 'deus ex machina' moments. It prioritizes luck over problem-solving which ends up as weak storytelling. Also the appearance of Marlin and Nemo felt unnecessary as they only minimally contribute to the progression of the story while taking quite a bit of screen time.

Overall a passable movie but without the depth that I expect from pixar.… Expand

15 of 28 users found this helpful1513

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6

eagleeyevikingJun 26, 2016

Finding Dory is emotional, funny and poignant but in comparison to its classic predecessor, lacks the storytelling skill and groundbreaking visuals that could have elevated it into the high bar that Pixar usually sets.

13 of 19 users found this helpful136

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6

PopcornandaCokeJun 18, 2016

Another review said it best and I will confirm those comments. This movie is decent and kids will enjoy it, but it is a recycle of the original and has the feel and story-quality of a sequel better released directly to DVD. Finding Dory isAnother review said it best and I will confirm those comments. This movie is decent and kids will enjoy it, but it is a recycle of the original and has the feel and story-quality of a sequel better released directly to DVD. Finding Dory is full of color and cuteness but overwhelmed with far-fetched scenarios that fell hollow and contrived to me. I was not terribly impressed and remember thinking after seeing Finding Nemo that it was a movie better left without a sequel. Disney might have done better with a sequel with a little more of a statement about the condition of our oceans and a thicker plot.… Expand

12 of 21 users found this helpful129

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5

Ryan_ParkinsonJun 18, 2016

This film is going to make a lot of nostalgic fans and new audiences very happy. It's animation and voicework is top shelf and its charm is undeniable, but it's story feels poorly paced and forced. The exposition is unbelievably dense; neverThis film is going to make a lot of nostalgic fans and new audiences very happy. It's animation and voicework is top shelf and its charm is undeniable, but it's story feels poorly paced and forced. The exposition is unbelievably dense; never has a Pixar film had so many characters spend so much time talking about what they're thinking or how they feel. Dory is tiresome whenever she's centre stage and the lack of adult wit makes it not feel to dissimilar to an Ice Age outing.

By all means see it and enjoy it, but this is far from Pixar at their best.… Expand

11 of 20 users found this helpful119

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6

mepittsJun 19, 2016

Loved "Finding Nemo" and the Dory character as portrayed by Ellen DeGeneres, and the animation and the "Piper" short before this movie are all wonderful, but found the movie long, repetitive, a little irritating and disappointing: The DoryLoved "Finding Nemo" and the Dory character as portrayed by Ellen DeGeneres, and the animation and the "Piper" short before this movie are all wonderful, but found the movie long, repetitive, a little irritating and disappointing: The Dory character was good as a side-kick in the original story, but putting that character in a starring role without really strong writing to support her was a mistake. OK--we get it. She has short-term memory issues. But we got it in Finding Nemo and we got it in the first 10 minutes of Finding Dory. The writing was not strong enough or clever enough to sustain a movie this long. And, short-term memory issues aside, the message is affirming to Dory but disconcerting as a "life lesson": as long as you're lucky, being headstrong and impulsive will save the day! Pixar no doubt has other great movies in the pipeline, but for now, Finding Dory is a faint shadow of great Pixar movies like The Incredibles, Ratatouille, the Toy Story trilogy and Finding Nemo. Not recommended.… Expand

8 of 15 users found this helpful87

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6

McgillacuddyJun 30, 2016

Finding Dory was an okay movie. The story itself wasn't significant enough for it to be superb, and this is surprisingly something coming from the near-flawless company Pixar. Many of the jokes and gags were well-executed, but the main plotFinding Dory was an okay movie. The story itself wasn't significant enough for it to be superb, and this is surprisingly something coming from the near-flawless company Pixar. Many of the jokes and gags were well-executed, but the main plot and character development were the downers. It's not the high quality of Toy Story 2, nor is it the low quality of Cars 2. It's more the quality of... Brave. Frankly, I never thought Finding Nemo really needed a sequel. It was fine the way it was.… Expand

7 of 14 users found this helpful77

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4

kuehnauJun 19, 2016

While the animation and artwork is always top notch, Finding Dory is mediocre at best. The movie doesn't have the same heart or soul Finding Nemo had. The writing feels half hearted and the movie never really grabs your attention enough toWhile the animation and artwork is always top notch, Finding Dory is mediocre at best. The movie doesn't have the same heart or soul Finding Nemo had. The writing feels half hearted and the movie never really grabs your attention enough to actually make you care.… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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5

samichsupernovaJun 26, 2016

I'm puzzled at all the love for this because I was extremely disappointed. The story, script, characterizations, everything was just slipshod and lacking in the quality we all expect from Pixar. That it was directed by Andrew Stanton makes noI'm puzzled at all the love for this because I was extremely disappointed. The story, script, characterizations, everything was just slipshod and lacking in the quality we all expect from Pixar. That it was directed by Andrew Stanton makes no sense to me, because normally his films have a polished look and feel to them, and with the exception of maybe one or two revelatory moments, that is simply not the case here. This is his weakest cinematic effort thus far, and I blame Pixar's storyboard-by-committee approach 100%. Whereas one of Finding Nemo's strengths was in its realism (remember how tough it was for those fish to find a way out of that fish tank??), in this film the characters become involved in ridiculous set-pieces where the audience is asked to suspend a HUGE amount of disbelief in order to accept what's happening on-screen. Without spoiling anything I will say that there were far too many scenes where I was asked to turn my brain off, or was straight-up reminded that I was watching a kids' movie that can pick and choose whenever it wants to be taken seriously, rather than something that actually makes an effort at immersing the audience, or at least attempting to immerse the audience, in a semi-believable universe.

Also, the writing is weak. The story takes some very predictable turns towards the end, the dialogue is nothing special, and very few characters from the original film return. Marlin and Nemo have hardly anything to do and the film IMO places way too much emphasis on Dory, with maybe one too many unneeded flashbacks, and going so far as to spend far too much screen time milking the character's journey for emotion. Of course it's going to be a tough emotional journey getting one's memories back, but that doesn't mean the writing and plot have to progress at such a slow pace. Also, Ellen DeGeneres gives her heart and soul into the performance, but Dory as written is really not all that compelling. There was clearly a missed opportunity here for real character development.

The single best part of the movie is Hank the octopus, hands-down. He's not only the coolest character in both these films, he's one of the more memorable Pixar characters in the last decade. Sadly, the film is not about Hank and he is only a supporting character. The sea lions were great as well. "Gerald!"

I woke up the next day wondering what went wrong, and why this film seems to be so critic-proof when there are so many issues with it. Sure, there are some decent emotional scenes and two or three laugh-out-loud moments (including one gag that nearly had me rolling on the floor), but for the most part this film is boring, sloppy, predictable, and utterly lacking in the wonder, world-building, and emotion of the original, much superior Finding Nemo. O Pixar, how the mighty have fallen...… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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6

TheWaffleJun 21, 2016

Safe and somewhat stale. They missed a big opportunity to address climate change, with just a couple throwaway lines "people have no respect for sea life", and instead went for a meek and predictable sequel storyline. This one fails to raiseSafe and somewhat stale. They missed a big opportunity to address climate change, with just a couple throwaway lines "people have no respect for sea life", and instead went for a meek and predictable sequel storyline. This one fails to raise the stakes or build in the way that Toy Story's sequels did, it's just Finding Nemo re-written with Dory as the star.… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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5

nozamanJun 22, 2016

Even with lowered expectations, this was disappointing. As long as the film stays in the sea, it is a cute if, erm, shallow adventure/roots story. But when it gets into the human world, which is most of the time, it runs into trouble. GoodEven with lowered expectations, this was disappointing. As long as the film stays in the sea, it is a cute if, erm, shallow adventure/roots story. But when it gets into the human world, which is most of the time, it runs into trouble. Good storytelling must seem true to its world; the world of the characters in Finding Nemo was totally "believable" and true. But the way these character act out of water does not seem "real" or true at all-- it seems like screenwriters struggling to fill time and buy laughs. Too many bad memory jokes. Too many "No way that could happen" moments-- even in a story with talking fish. Should have been released without the Pixar name, as was Planes.… Expand

6 of 13 users found this helpful67

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6

gkbos1Jun 20, 2016

It was enjoyable...I just thought it didn't have a light heart-ed feeling. The comedy was mixed with sadness. Some parts felt rushed. The journey the characters go through almost seemed pointless. Many supporting characters were neededIt was enjoyable...I just thought it didn't have a light heart-ed feeling. The comedy was mixed with sadness. Some parts felt rushed. The journey the characters go through almost seemed pointless. Many supporting characters were needed to make the story somewhat flow. There were some enjoyable parts but I won't be watching this one again on dvd/rent.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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6

Antgiog1202Jun 22, 2016

Finding Dory was just an excuse to get people's money into the theaters. It's not as enjoyable as it's predecessor, Finding Nemo, but it will satisfy fans by bringing back some nostalgia. The film itself offers us substandard jokes,Finding Dory was just an excuse to get people's money into the theaters. It's not as enjoyable as it's predecessor, Finding Nemo, but it will satisfy fans by bringing back some nostalgia. The film itself offers us substandard jokes, ineffective emotional sequences and just a indistinguishable plot that we've already seen before -- and that's surprising coming from Pixar. It did have some acknowledgeable moments that were quite fun to experience -- but only a few.

Rating: 6/10

A+ = 10
A = 9
A- = 8
B+ = 7
B = 6
B- = 5
C+ = 4
C = 3
C- = 2.5
D+ = 2
D = 1.5
D- = 1
F = 0… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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6

avan1976Jun 28, 2016

Amazing visuals. Entertaining enough for small minds, but it lacks the heart of Finding Nemo. Often feels like a confected series of scenes rather than a cohesive story. A few touching moments though.

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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5

Dodringo64Jun 22, 2016

This movie is good. I'll say that right now, but it falls short, quite a bit. The story is so lacking and such a disappointment. It honestly felt like a total rehash of the original 'Finding Nemo' which I love. The fact that Nemo and MarlinThis movie is good. I'll say that right now, but it falls short, quite a bit. The story is so lacking and such a disappointment. It honestly felt like a total rehash of the original 'Finding Nemo' which I love. The fact that Nemo and Marlin are in the movie at all are completely unnecessary and have no purpose in the film and take away from what character development we could have with other characters.

'Finding Nemo' was just one of those films that did not need a sequel and the most interesting thing about this movie was seeing Ellen DeGeneres reprise the role of Dory once again. Sorry, Finding Dory, you just didn't have what I wanted in the sequel to 'Finding Nemo'.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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6

cmkarthikJul 14, 2016

I'm a bit disappointed with Finding Dory because Pixar movies have set an unusually high standard of how animated movies should be - entertaining to kids and yet, appealing to adults. Although I don't know whether it was entertaining to theI'm a bit disappointed with Finding Dory because Pixar movies have set an unusually high standard of how animated movies should be - entertaining to kids and yet, appealing to adults. Although I don't know whether it was entertaining to the kids, I am pretty sure that it wouldn't have been appealing to the kids. There was a nice little character development in the first movie which is sorely missing. All the action are too fast and mighty improbable even for an animated adventure movie. I'm a big fan of DeGeneres and always fancied a sequel with a more prominent role to her, but this movie falls way short. Should have just left it at the first movie. This sequel was needless and is too lifeless.… Expand

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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6

GamecubeLoverAug 6, 2016

Its okay but this just made me disappointed since I wanted to see this movie cause finding nemo was better. This one is just unoriginal and bland for the most part.

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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5

Lal62944Jun 30, 2016

Boring, goes on to long, nothing like the original Finding Nemo, not very imaginative. Storyline was terrible, didn't keep the kids attention during the movie much less mine.

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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6

cadoverJun 28, 2016

It's a cute movie, and it tries really, really hard to be just that. Better than The Good Dinosaur (not saying much) but nowhere near as good as Finding Nemo, if you want eye candy for your 1-4yr old then this movie is perfect. If you wereIt's a cute movie, and it tries really, really hard to be just that. Better than The Good Dinosaur (not saying much) but nowhere near as good as Finding Nemo, if you want eye candy for your 1-4yr old then this movie is perfect. If you were looking for something intelligent with a good storyline, you're better off re-watching Finding Nemo.
Expect tons of baby talk, baby googly eyes, squealingly exciting things that happen for no reason at all, problems that get solved instantly like magic, cheap laughs...you get the point - it's a movie for babies, nothing more. Put this movie up against Wall-E, and you're left wondering WHAT HAPPENED TO PIXAR???… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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6

AndrewG1999Jun 20, 2016

Finding Dory was a fun experience for me. The main idea for the motto "Just keep swimming" is becoming more comprehensible as it tells us that it represents hope, perseverance, and determination. As quoted from the Bible Roman 5:3-4, “AndFinding Dory was a fun experience for me. The main idea for the motto "Just keep swimming" is becoming more comprehensible as it tells us that it represents hope, perseverance, and determination. As quoted from the Bible Roman 5:3-4, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” It is a great comparison to a quote we'll never forget. Finding Dory was a magical, enjoyable, and entertaining movie, but it lacked some key elements that it's predecessor possessed. It wasn't as charming or emotional as I thought it was going to be. I thought that Dory's oblivious behavior kind of took away the emotional point of the movie. But it was nice to see Marlin and Nemo reunite as a family and not trying to look for each other. What I did like the most about Finding Dory was that it was not just about Dory finding her parents; no it was about Dory finding who she was and if she had a purpose in life. Finding Dory deserves a 6/10 rating from me. :)… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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4

AxeTJul 8, 2016

"Finding Nemo" along with "Ratatouille" and "Toy Story 3" are my three favorite Pixar movies (all 10's) out of so many good ones. That brilliant hit trend started to turn south in my eyes starting about 4-5 years ago. This latest is finely"Finding Nemo" along with "Ratatouille" and "Toy Story 3" are my three favorite Pixar movies (all 10's) out of so many good ones. That brilliant hit trend started to turn south in my eyes starting about 4-5 years ago. This latest is finely animated of course and the detail like always is pretty amazing. However the story is a flat out bore top to bottom! Talk about retread. It's an uninspired sequel.
At the same time I can understand the problem for Pixar now. The novelty of 3D computer animation has worn off and since they make all family fare, just how many cute coming of age tales can you spin and keep it fresh, much less going to the vault for obvious money maker sequels whether they warrant making because they have actual new stories to tell? Don't think having a deep sea fish story wind up in a car chase on land is the real answer. Sure it's fun and just fine for most young children, but can adults say in truth they were entertained by this? That it is original and clever like so many of Pixar's past efforts have been? Hardly.

However, the pre-feature short "Piper" is a wonderful piece of state-of-the-art animation with a simple minimal little nature story told succinctly and briefly that is impossible not to be impressed by. Made me wonder if they actually photographically shot the sand granules or they were 100% digitally conjured? If so the animated look here has reached yet another new threshold.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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5

LuccaSSCAug 15, 2017

This movie isn't the worst Pixar movie only because Cars 2 exists. It is disappointing, predictable and just not funny at all. It's something I would expect from BlueSky or Illumination, but not from the studio behind such classics as ToyThis movie isn't the worst Pixar movie only because Cars 2 exists. It is disappointing, predictable and just not funny at all. It's something I would expect from BlueSky or Illumination, but not from the studio behind such classics as Toy Story, Ratatouille and Up.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

MattBrady99Jul 23, 2017

I loved Finding Nemo and I remembered seeing it in cinemas, but with "Finding Dory" I wasn't looking forward to. I don't know my reasons, just didn't want to see a spin-off to something I couldn't care less about. Of course I gave in andI loved Finding Nemo and I remembered seeing it in cinemas, but with "Finding Dory" I wasn't looking forward to. I don't know my reasons, just didn't want to see a spin-off to something I couldn't care less about. Of course I gave in and finally watched it. And my judgment I had with the film sadly came true after seeing it.

I mean, it's cute and harmless with some humor that I did laugh at. However, with it being a year since it's release, this existing doesn't feel necessary. Pretty forgettable as no one is talking about it (expect for me). In terms of creativity and surprising me, it felt kinda held back. I didn't get that emotional punch that you would expect from Pixar.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

dyshpoJul 19, 2016

Watchable,cute ,funny but way to short and cheap looking for 5 year production and 150 million budget. Also now new interesting characters that could be remembered. Been 10 years since original why wasn't movie 2 1/2 hours long. Also PixarWatchable,cute ,funny but way to short and cheap looking for 5 year production and 150 million budget. Also now new interesting characters that could be remembered. Been 10 years since original why wasn't movie 2 1/2 hours long. Also Pixar put worse short movie before titles.… Expand