One of the most endearing movies that I have seen in a while, "Finding Dory," has been in theaters for about six weeks now. Box offices are excelling through "Finding Dory’s" ticket revenues. Whoever said, "Finding Dory" is a “kids” movie is only half correct. While the heartwarming, inspiring, and Oscar-worthy movie does appeal to a children’s audience, adults can be thoroughly entertained as well.
I am a 20-year-old sort-of-adult and was immediately captivated by Dory’s tumultuous story.
The film took me back to a place of innocence and remembrance. Perhaps, many adults enjoy Disney flicks and movies that are considered to be geared towards children because it brings back a sense of familiarity. People experience nostalgia through reliving certain aspects of their childhood. I am betting that most adults and children watching the movie were humans and not fish and did not directly experience what Dory did. Despite Dory having fins and scales, her story is relatable for all groups of people alike.
I am guessing that all of us have, at one point or another, worked hard to do something and feel as if we have gotten nowhere. We have all felt lost, like Dory and her parents, at times, and we all know that the sensation is uncomfortably depressing, to say the least. However, sometimes in life, miracles and fate exist. In Dory’s case, she stumbled upon an old childhood friend named Destiny, who helped her reach her destination on her journey to finding her parents. In spite of Dory’s poor memory, she thought long and hard in order to reach her goal. She was able to independently and courageously be reunited with her parents, which is special. In life, both children and adults have challenges that they must overcome in order to achieve what they need to. Dory has done just that for us!
Aside from Dory’s perseverance and persistence, we are introduced to concepts of intellectual, emotional, and physical differences. Many of the lovable characters in the movies have disabilities. However, we must view these “disabilities” as unique quirks. While it is important for children to learn and recognize that all people are different, it is equally crucial for adults to figure this out themselves. Some adults are more ignorant and less accepting than children. Therefore, I hope that this future classic film is a wake-up call for these people. Our world is a place that soars because no one person is exactly the same. “Finding Dory” teaches us to avoid cult-like conformist behaviors and to be true to ourselves in light of our differences. The movie also explains the value of teamwork and unity through the multiple friends, both new and old, that Dory is introduced to on her quest to find her parents. Dory proves to herself that she is intelligent enough to figure out a way be with her parents again on her own, even though many doubted her. Luckily for Dory, the friends in her life made this process much easier.
"Finding Dory" allows audiences to be on a whirlwind adventure with relatable, imperfect characters. The brilliant animation immediately draws in both adults and children alike. Many people in my cohort have openly admitted to falling in love with the film, and I am not surprised if many parents (who take their children to see the movie find it to be enjoyable as well. This unique movie is appropriate for all ages, species, shapes, and sizes, and it is essential for avid moviegoers!
