To start off and answer the question, yes, the film is. This was Pixar’s beloved treat that so many of us have anticipated with baited breath back in 2003. During the years of waiting, Pixar and Disney created a sequel that has been well worth the wait, my ticket, and the heartwarming experience enough to fill an ocean full of feels.

First off, I will say that from the opening alone, I was hooked. Seeing Dory’s parents and how they interacted with their child is one of the most real and heartwarming things I’ve seen in film. They just love their daughter unconditionally, and while they are protective of her, they aren’t anything new from the outside view of normal parents, especially when they just hug their daughter and love her even though she still has her disability.

Then, as an audience we begin slowly sinking down into the sea like we did in "Finding Nemo," and the beloved, talented composer Thomas Newman welcomes us with one of his signature instruments: a flute that really brings out the sounds of light reflecting on the surface. All throughout the film, Newman once again brings out his musician’s eye to show you what an ocean sounds like with his piano, strings and chimes. With his talent you can feel the emotion of this film as if touching the waves with your hands.

There are many nostalgic hints placed throughout the movie that will give small openings for beloved characters from the original. Just like in "Finding Nemo," the hero's journey formula is shown in this film as well. We are still shown the dropout where Nemo goes missing, and we see the similar freak out from Marlin because he doesn't want to lose anyone again. When Dory talks about how much she misses her parents, he gives in and decides to go on the journey with her because he recalls how he missed his son.

The animation really dives into the detail of this film, and it is just beautiful. It really makes me want to be able to live underwater just so I can keep reliving this film’s work. I’ve never seen oceans, reefs, and even the close up of the scales of these fish and water plants when the light hits them executed as lovely as this film. Even the Marine Institute, where the plot will take place, is well designed to show the audience that there is so much to look at because it’s a marine institute. With the decorations of the marine life to the marine life itself, you can really feel at home with the fish in their habitats.The voice acting is perfectly done by Ellen DeGeneres, as always, as she fits into the very scales that are Dory. I don’t know how Ellen does it, but somehow I can really feel her as Dory from looking into the fish’s eyes, and even her colors fit DeGeneres’ warm, yet energetic personality. Also, the rumor is true. Baby Dory is the cutest little girl I’ve ever seen animated in my life, and her voice actress: Sloane Murray, does such an great job bringing out a sweet, innocent voice that literally reflects the wonder of a child. Marlin is still voiced by Albert Brooks, who gives off the most worry-warted parent you’ll ever meet in the seven seas, but still gives a good heart and listening ear when needed. Nemo’s voice actor, Hayden Rolence, does well, too, really showing the determination of a child and willingness to help friends in need.

The new characters are just wonderful to watch. The smooth and bright colors of their bodies, their personality differences, are a real treat. Whale speaking is brought to this film, with a whale shark, Destiny (voiced by, Kaitlin Olson) who can’t swim well being Dory’s “pipe pal” as a kid, a very clever touch to the innuendo “pen pal” since they lived in different tanks. Hank (voiced by Ed O’Neil) the octopus or “septipus” as Dory calls him. Pixar shows Hank's genuine personality from being afraid and closed off to people and fish, while he only comes off cold and pushy when helping Dory find her parents to get her tag she receives, to leave the aquarium, he ends up being softened by Dory’s bravery seeing a good influence and genuinely cares about helping her.

With Nemo now playing a big role in the story, you can see how well he helps to move the plot by pointing out things that his father doesn’t see such as how to get out of situations or who to trust. While parents feel they know more than their children, which in most cases they do, it’s nice to see how Pixar doesn’t allow children to just be mischievous or constantly energetic. Pixar shows that children are smart and they are capable of helping out when many least expect it, hence the reoccurring saying “What would Dory do” that follows through the plot.

Even with Dory, they show this so well it makes me feel happy to see her finding herself, not just her parents, which I feel was the main point of the movie. At a young age, Dory is struggling with her disability, but she doesn’t give up. She keeps finding ways to help others and herself, whether it’s melting the three hearts of her octopus companion Hank, or putting together a whole rescue mission saving her friends and family. Pixar shows that no matter what you have trouble with, be it a disability or finding your way, you can still find a way out.

What also was awesome to see was a showing of a lesbian couple in the film. While there were some people freaking out about showing the couple, it was a great showing of the LGBT community being recognized.

Without giving away the ending, I will say this, "Finding Dory" is just beautiful. The music doesn’t disappoint. The animation is gorgeous just like in "Finding Nemo," and the characters are "Unforgettable,” which also is the ending theme of the film sung by the lovely Sia. The story was everything we were looking for as an anxious audience.

"Finding Dory" was well worth the wait and has now given many people who loved "Finding Nemo" a wonderful ending, and the youth have seen the story end with their eyes open to the possibilities of “just keep swimming” when they too are lost in the sea of this world.