Warning: Very mild spoilers may be present in this review.

Thursday, June 16, 10:10 pm.

A theater filled with 16-20 year olds, all bursting with childish glee. Finding Nemo made its debut in 2003, and, for 13 years, fans of all ages had been eagerly anticipating a sequel to the Pixar classic. Now, in 2016, I am here to tell you that the wait, however unbearable, was worth it, because Finding Dory does not just meet expectations; it exceeds them.

In some ways, I think this movie was made for young adults like me, the children who grew up on Finding Nemo and other classics from those years. It invoked great nostalgia from my childhood, especially by reminding viewers of the moment Dory and Marlin first meet. Yet, it also brought new emotions, sadness, excitement, and joy all at once. Finding Dory brings back some old characters that we all fell in love with in the original film, while also introducing new characters that quickly and effortlessly capture our hearts.

The story focuses on Dory’s life, her childhood and her journey up to finding Nemo with Marlin, as well as her quest to relocate her parents. I left the theater with an entirely new appreciation for Dory’s character. A fish with a tough life, suffering from short-term memory loss and having trouble making friends, Dory certainly tugged at my heart strings. A complex and lovable character like herself certainly deserves her own movie, and I am so glad that she finally got it.

Of course, this movie is not just great for young adults like myself. Children and parents will fall in love with it, too. It is well-written, well-voiced, and well-animated. The humor is silly but clever, and the scenes are emotional but beautiful. Included are many great voice actors, such as, of course, Ellen DeGeneres herself (as Dory). And the animation, while refreshed and more refined from the original in 2003, still feels like it fits perfectly with Finding Nemo.

Overall, I am beyond impressed with the sequel to the beloved classic, a film I have adored since my very early years. Pixar did not disappoint (although, honestly, we all knew they wouldn’t). Finding Dory is absolutely worth a trip (or two) to the theater with family and friends this week.