Already touted as one of the summer’s biggest films, "Finding Dory" is the long-awaited sequel to the 2003’s "Finding Nemo." The original film is still quoted by many for its memorable characters and heart-tugging emotional moments, with the film being remembered as one of Pixar’s finest works.

The proposition of a sequel being made thirteen years after the original is always a dicey one. One can always wonder whether a story should actually be continued, or it's just a shameless cash grab. Since Pixar has not had a strong run since "Toy Story 3," I entered the theater cautiously optimistic.

I can't take another "Cars 2."

In a summer that has largely been a letdown, "Finding Dory" thankfully delivers in more ways than one. Not only is the film a solid continuation of the original, but continues a positive trend of more thematically-conscious animated films. The film follows the lovable, warm Dory, as she embarks on a search for her parents along with some new and familiar fishy faces.

Picking up a year after the events of the original, it was a pleasure to see the same well-realized character dynamics that made the original so special. Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres have a real seamless chemistry as Marlin and Dory, one that feels just as real as it did thirteen years ago. Cameos from some of the original’s more memorable characters are also a pleasure to see.

Similar to the original, "Finding Dory" is able to keep a fun pace throughout. The film is surprisingly one of Pixar’s funniest efforts, with a fair amount of clever jokes for both kids and older audiences alike. Similar to how Ellen DeGeneres is on her show, the film stays fairly loose and light, moving from scene to scene seamlessly with high energy. Director and writer Andrew Stanton craft quite a few fun, inventive sequences that utilize the boundlessness of animation.

What I was most worried about with this film is that it would be too reliant on the original's success, but thankfully "Finding Dory" is able to differentiate itself. New characters like a near-sighted whale shark, a beluga whale who lost his echolocation ability, and an octopus who lost a tenticatile are all great additions. They not only provide some big laughs but add to the film’s emotional core.

The film is very much focused on how Dory has a short-term memory, as well as the handicaps of the numerous new additions. Rather than just playing that distinction for laughs, Stanton and company make a thoughtful statement. People may have different impairments in their life, but they don't hold people back from following their dreams. Flashbacks with Dory’s parents working with her on memory are quite sweet and sincere, with these narrative beats have a strong emotional effect.

Animation, like Dory’s character, has been going through an extremely positive evolution over the past few years. A genre that was once just known as a venue for light entertainment is becoming more enriched. Filmmakers are stretching past simple concepts to craft films with more socially relevant ideas. Films like "Zootopia" and "Inside Out" not only feature fun laughs for kids but tackle issues of racial tolerance and human emotion with a real thoughtfulness. Not only does it make the films a little more impactful for older audiences, but it's always good to show children something with a little more substance even at an early age.

"Finding Dory" may not be one of Pixar’s best films, but it's a welcome return to form for the studio. Featuring some great humor and a strong emotional sentiment, the film is one of the strongest films of the summer so far. It's sure to give the series some new fans, will satisfy fans of the original (my over-joyed girlfriend's lovely fangirl moments were a good indicator).

Rating: 8/10