Finding Nemo (2003)

Trailer

I shall call him Squishy and he shall be mine and he shall be my Squishy.
So basically: Two clownfish, Marlin and Coral, start their life together in one of the best spots in the ocean, right by the drop-off. The couple are playing around when a shark attacks them and Marlin is knocked unconscious. When he wakes up, his wife and all the eggs are gone - save one, which he names Nemo. When Nemo grows up a little bit, paranoid Marlin is reluctant to send him off to school, but Nemo insists. Marlin sends him off with the teacher, but unbeknownst to him, the teacher is taking them to the drop-off. Nemo and a group of other kids stray away from the teacher and wander into the big ocean just as Marlin arrives to take his son back. Out of spite, Nemo goes out to a boat further away and gets captured by a SCUBA driver. Now, Marlin is on a quest through the ocean with a fish who has short term memory loss to find his son in Sydney, Australia.

This film is fabulous. Brilliant, even. Even if it's a "kid's" movie. It's a perfect example of an adventure story, and the goal isn't outrageously improbable, either. It's the quest of a father looking for his son, which adds a very human element. Marlin's journey through the ocean is riddled with obstacles which are unique to his environment - a refreshing touch, since so many adventure stories take place on land. Each character is fully fleshed out and colourful, adding something to the story. It's hilarious, adventurous, and full of gasp moments! I don't know anyone who wouldn't like this film.

Yes! It should totes be higher on the list!!

Ziggi seal of approval!