It’s summer time, which means family film fun for children of all ages. The big catch this week was Disney’s “Finding Dory.” The colorful fish flick pulled in $136.2 million this weekend, making it the highest debuting animated film of all time.
“Finding Dory” is the long anticipated follow-up to 2003’s hit “Finding Nemo.” Studio heads were banking on $100 million to $120 million in revenue, and needless to say, “Dory” scaled expectations. Disney-Pixar’s “Finding Dory” welcomes back to the big screen everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres. She’s living happily in the reef with Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (who’s pipes come courtesy of Hayden Rolence). When Dory suddenly remembers that she has a family out there who may be looking for her, the trio takes off on a life-changing adventure across the ocean to California’s prestigious Marine Life Institute, a rehabilitation center and aquarium. In an effort to find her mom (Diane Keaton) and dad (Eugene Levy), Dory enlists the help of three of the MLI’s most intriguing residents: Hank (Ed O’Neill), a cantankerous octopus who frequently gives employees the slip; Bailey (Ty Burrell), a beluga whale who is convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz; and Destiny (Kaitlin Olson), a nearsighted whale shark. Deftly navigating the complex inner workings of the MLI, Dory and her friends discover the magic within their flaws, friendships and family.
The film was directed by Andrew Stanton of Finding Nemo and WALL-E fame; co-directed by Angus MacLane, who brought us “Toy Story of Terror!;” and produced by Lindsey Collins, also a collaborator and co-producer on WALL-E.
Also playing this summer is “Wiener-Dog” which documents the cross-country travels of two pups, starring local Danny DeVito, Ellen Burstyn and Greta Gerwig.
Malibu’s Steven Spielberg directs “The BFG.” It comes from a Roald Dahl classic and tells the tale of a friendly giant who gets to know a young girl from London.
For suspense, John le Carre brings you “Our Kind of Traitor.” Thrill seekers will love the story of an English couple who get involved with the Russian mafia and the UK’s MI6. It stars Ewan McGregor, Naomi Harris and Damian Lewis and was directed by Susanna White. Another crowd pleaser may be “The Secret Life of Pets.” It’s a sure hit home flick about what Fido and FiFi really do when we are away at work and school. Pure intrigue for any pet lover. See you at the movies!