`Nemo' clever enough for kids of all ages

Finding Nemo l Rated G

The folks at Pixar have a fascination with tiny creatures most humans tend to overlook. Consider the insect stars of "A Bug's Life." Now, the people at Pixar are focusing their collective imaginations on the sea -- another often-forgotten ecosystem.

"Finding Nemo" isn't just another kid's movie with slapstick, animated comedy. This is a Pixar production. "Finding Nemo" is a member of an elite group of cartoons that entertains adults and children. This film has enough witty dialogue and wild plot twists to keep all moviegoers on the edge of their seats.

Before the movie starts, in keeping with Pixar tradition, the viewers are allowed to "test the waters" and see yet another fabulous film short. Adorably hilarious, this is bound to make you laugh -- and it's just a warm-up to the movie.

"Nemo" opens with tragedy. Marlin and his wife Coral, both clownfish, have found the perfect home to raise their hundred-plus offspring. But before their babies hatch, terror strikes in the form of a giant predator fish.

Marlin tries to defend his unborn children and wife but is knocked out. He comes to and finds that his wife and all the eggs are gone -- all but one, that is. Marlin names the little fish Nemo, promising that nothing will ever happen to his only son.

This promise is a foreshadowing of the loving-yet-controlling way Marlin will raise his son. All that Nemo wants to do is join the other fish his age. But his father uses Nemo's damaged fin as an excuse to hold him back.

Finally, Marlin lets Nemo go to school. After seeing his son disappear into the ocean with his class and teacher, Marlin learns that they are going on a field trip to the dropoff -- the edge of the coral reef where they live.

Marlin chases after them frantically. Marlin's arrival causes Nemo to rebel. He swims away into the deep sea where he is captured by a scuba diver.

Marlin is left with one clue -- a scuba mask with an address. He sets off on a journey to find his son. Helped by a forgetful fish named Dory, Marlin encounters friendly sharks (who eventually try to eat him), jellyfish, sea turtles and leagues of dangerous sea.

Meanwhile, Nemo is temporarily safe in a tank with other fish. But his time is running out. In a matter of days, he is going to be given to a little girl known for killing fish. As Nemo's tank friends try to help him return to the ocean, his father gets closer to finding him.

From the fish to the seagulls, each character has a unique personality and voice. They all contribute to the comedy in some way.

Unlike many cartoons, you don't always know where the plot will take you. One minute you're swimming in clear seas, the next you're in a swarm of jellyfish. This amazing movie brings a new perspective to the sea and the life within it. The message, that you have to love a person enough to let them go, is touchingly told through Marlin's fear of letting Nemo live his life.

It truly is a beautiful, thrilling, hilarious movie for all moviegoers. Bring your kids. Bring your parents, friends and family. And see the sea you've never seen before.

Grade: A

Copyright 2003 Cowles Publishing Company
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