The Movie: In Pixars fifth feature they take us to the Great Barrier Reef for the tale of single father Marlin and his son Nemo. The only surviving child of a shark attack, Marlin is unconditionally protective of his son, happy for the two to live a sheltered existence. So naturally the plot involves the two being separated and fighting through all manner of terror to find each other. Thankfully this being Woody's house and all the typical plotline is delivered with creativity (vegetarian sharks), animation that stays still pretty impressive today and, in the spirit of classic Disney, moments with a real sense of peril. What The Title Gives Away: In case the fact this is a kids film and is therefore required to have a happy ending escaped you, the title ensures that we know after all these escapades Marlin and Nemo will be reunited before the credits roll. And herein lies what makes Pixar so understanding of their audience (ignoring that whole Cars issue) the people in danger of finding the plot simple are the parents (obviously more cine-literate than their kids); they know there's a predestined ending with or without the title. So Andrew Stanton and co. didnt play up the uncertain future of the family, making Nemo, unlike other children's films, unpatronising to adults.
