Finding Nemo MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +4 Content: +3

Pixar animation and Disney collaborate in this delightful, colorful undersea adventure tale about a father and son two clown fish living in a giant sea anemone off the coast of Australia. Since Marlin (voice of Albert Brooks) lost his wife in a barracuda attack before his son Nemo (Alexander Gould) was hatched, he has dedicated his life to protecting Nemo. On Nemos first day at school, the energetic, excited little fish swims away from the coral reef into the sea, where he is captured by a diver. Nemo ends up in a dentists office aquarium in far-away Sydney. Marlin is devastated and embarks on a long journey filled with danger, humor and miracles. Along the way, he is befriended by Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), a wacky, big-hearted blue fish handicapped by short-term memory loss. Little Nemo faces challenges as well in his new surroundings as he wins the hearts of his new companions, including a tough-talking angel fish named Gill (William DaFoe). Finding Nemo is sure to be a summer treat.

As the G rating indicates, Finding Nemo is family friendly. Along with witty dialogue, beautiful scenery and high adventure are many positive themes, including friendship, trust and love. Marlin must face fears inherent in his species predators beyond the hideout of the coral. His love and concern for his son drives him into unknown waters as he conquers those fears. And with persistent and sometimes annoying cheerfulness, Dory refuses to let Marlin give up each time they meet a new obstacle. She even teaches him to laugh. Parents of sensitive young children will have to use discretion, however, since some of the scenes are quite intense: Marlin and Dory are swallowed by a whale and later encounter a huge mass of stinging jelly fish. The opening scene shows a barracuda ready to attack Nemos mother, but the screen goes black, implying death. Some mild bathroom humor includes flatulence and a little octopus who excretes black ink when frightened. All ages will find Nemo to be much more than a fish tale with its meaningful themes.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Walt Disney/Pixar