Finding Nemo - 10 stars out of 10

Finding Nemo - 10 stars out of 10

"Finding Nemo" is a heart-warming family film that is a lot deeper than it appears.  While there are plenty of cute characters and jokes to keep kids happy, the thematic overtones of unconditional love between this father and son will surely bring tears to your eyes.  The script is crafted around these emotional moments, from Nemo's "I hate you" to the look in his eyes when he finds out the incredible journey that his father has endured to save him.  Even though this is "only a cartoon," Marlin's journey is as epic as any "Gladiator-esque" adventure story.  The focus of the film is family, but it also makes some bold statements about friendship as Dory selflessly helps Marlin and the fish tank crew tries to plan Nemo's escape.  Both sides of the story emphasize the importance of trust.  Outside of the themes, we meet great characters like Crush, Bruce, Nigel, Gill, and [insert "Psycho" music here] DARLA!  With big name voice actors like Willem Dafoe, Ellen, Geoffrey Rush, Brad Garrett, and John Ratzenberger (in a hilarious cameo as a pantomiming school of fish), you know that you are in for a treat.  I also love the little tributes to other movies (The Shining, Toy Story, most importantly 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) that appear throughout the film.  And yet, this film is probably best known for its incredible visual atmosphere.  Pixar again proves themselves to be the kings of computer animation as it brings the Australian ocean to life.  The realistic water and movements of the fish are incomprehensible.  From the colorful characters to the underwater atmosphere and laugh-out-loud lines, "Finding Nemo" continues the tradition of Pixar films that make us shake our heads and smile at their excellence.