Wednesday, June 22, 2016
“Finding Dory,” Pixar's sequel to their popular, animated movie "Finding Nemo" is setting box office records and is a big hit with critics and moviegoers alike.
This film tells the story of Dory, a blue tang fish who suffers from short-term memory loss, and her epic journey to reunite with her family. Dory, alongside her friends Nemo and Marlin, takes off on a life-changing adventure across the ocean and comes across many new, enlightening characters who also face challenges in their lives:
- a whale shark with impaired vision
- an octopus that deals with anxiety
- a beluga whale who cannot seem to master echolocation
Throughout the story, each character, including Dory, finds strength within themselves, and with the support of friends and family, faces his or her challenges head on in order to overcome them.
“Although Finding Nemo fans will enjoy Finding Dory simply for the storyline and familiar characters, an added bonus is the film’s celebration of differences,” said Lori Warner, Ph.D., director, Ted Lindsay Foundation HOPE Center. “Dory’s forgetfulness causes her many problems, but leads her to develop other admirable qualities. Refreshingly, the film does not take a pitying approach to Dory’s issues, but neither does it sugarcoat the difficulties she faces. Parents and kids alike can learn important lessons from this story.”
Reviewers of "Finding Dory" are also finding the same themes resonating as well:
- “On a personal note, as someone who knows folks who have cognitive disabilities, I really appreciated the sensitive portrayal of the stress these issues may put on a family.” – Patrick C., Rotten Tomatoes
- “Thirteen years ago, "Finding Nemo" taught us that physical disabilities do not have to define what we can and can't do. "Finding Dory" tackles mental disability (especially anxiety) in a very touching way.” – Omar L., Rotten Tomatoes
- "'Finding Dory' is one of the most inspirational and emotional movies to ever take one a subject like this. I have never seen anything like this before.” – Russell Q., Rotten Tomatoes
- “'Finding Dory' will touch close to home for parents of kids with disabilities at the way it addresses Dory's short-term memory.” – Paul M., Rotten Tomatoes
- “Just when we think that Dory’s life has been irrevocably altered by her inability to build long-term memories, we learn that coping with this disability has caused her to build a strength that everyone around her uses as an anchor.” – Guiseppe G., Rotten Tomatoes
(PHOTO: Disney - Pixar)