FINDING NEMO (2003) *** Multi-layered and -level yarn abound sea life that allows children (and adults) to engage in whatever manner they wish. Philosophical nuggets, insights, and life lessons abound, there's more than enough to challenge the most precocious youngster. On the other hand, it's also a nice little story about the fishies. Adults are at least equally in need of the pop psychology offered-we've probably heard it before, but we count some of these as lessons failed, rather than lessons to learn. There's still hope. Accounting majors may not have encountered any of this stuff, though I'd stop short of saying that it lingers into the depths enough to satisfy entrenched disciples of Nietzsche or Kant (it's more like a Greatest Hits package, and nothing satisfies them anyway, that's part of their fun, so the rest of us need not worry much about it). For lit majors, though, it works very nicely as a greater metaphor for the inherent difficulties inherent in a father "finding" his son psychologically; strewn more than thrown across a Jungian landscape. For film buffs there are plenty of references (Monty Python, Jack Nicholson, et al, accessible stuff), but not so many as to give you the sense that their main goal is just being clever. I've never thought much about what's required to be a great cartoon voice (other than that Robin Williams is one, but he does everything well), and was startled to find myself thoroughly entertained by Ellen DeGeneres; her performance in the support group is of historic brilliance. I mean, I don't even like her real work. Also, the perspective of your children will be enhanced by lack of reference-my daughter identified the group in a subsequent conversation as "that cool club." They move plenty of characters in and out to keep things moving, the turtles going with the flow being our family favorite. More proper units may be impressed by the aquarium fish who know enough to pass dental exams. Illuminating without proselytizing or getting preachy, devotedly entertaining, casually sly, and without ulterior motives of any sort (I don't even think that they thought about how much money this would rake, until it got to the advertising department)-there's plenty for everyone to take away, but if you're an incurable bottom line guy here it is: Fish are Friends.
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