The original had Marlin (Albert Brooks) “Finding Nemo,” with Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) as a hilarious sidekick. When you try to make a sidekick the star, their casual presence doesn’t always work as the focus. Dory, who has only short term memory, decides to go in search of her parents. This takes her on adventures all over an aquatic theme park, but the sequel is darker, literally and thematically. Where the first featured colorful, delightful animation, this one often takes place in murky, gloomy environments. Dory’s search leads to continuous self-doubt and hesitation. The movie runs too long, partially because the story takes too many twists and turns (ebbs and flows?). DeGeneres’ flippant way with a punch line still lands the laffs and there are the requisite new wacky characters. Although less delightful than the original, it still has moments of entertaining fun. NOTE: Stay thru the credits for an extended gag.
(3.5 / 5)