After 13 years, Pixar animation studios and Disney released the sequel to the 2003 universally acclaimed film “Finding Nemo,” titled “Finding Dory,” in June.

Since 1995, Disney-Pixar has made family-friendly films that encompass a large range of ages among its audience.

“Finding Dory” is no exception to this tradition and truly is a movie made for the whole family.

The film takes place after the events of “Finding Nemo,” and focuses on the back-story of the fish, Dory.

This Blue Tang with short-term-memory loss captured the hearts of many viewers back in 2003, and now has her own story to tell.

Director Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane return to the idea of parental protection, but instead of Nemo’s over-bearing father who worries about his son’s “lucky-fin,” Dory’s parents are overprotective about her learning disability.

Voiced by TV personality Ellen DeGeneres, Dory is on a mission to locate her family; the only problem is, she can’t remember where she left them.

Her journey starts with a rush of forgotten memories proving to Dory that she does, in fact, have a family. With only vague details to go on, and glimpses of childhood memories, Dory sets out on a journey of self-discovery to find the family she does not remember having.

Returning characters Marlin and Nemo, voiced by Albert Brooks and Hayden Rolence, follow her. DeGeneres’ performance was just as good as her first appearance in “Finding Nemo.”

Dory was her usual, free-spirited and gleeful self.

Her story was one of perseverance, with Dory learning to accept herself. Dory’s character is unique in that she does not see flaws where others do. Dory is quick to accept other character’s imperfections but has a hard time accepting her own.

Her memories lead her to an aquarium that rescues marine life, rehabilitates them and releases them back into the open waters. During her search, an in-captivity octopus named Hank, voiced by Ed O’Neill, helps her.

Hank is, by far, one of the funniest characters Pixar has ever created. His dry sense of humor and matter-of-fact personality made for entertaining and comical dialogue between him and the other characters.

Dory also encounters a near-sighted whale shark and a beluga whale who is unable to use his echolocation. Both attempt to help Dory find her family while also dealing with their own obstacles.

The movie is full of humor that adults and children alike will appreciate, with reccurring comical motifs throughout. The film heavily relies on nonsensical actions of fish swimming through pipes and operating manmade machinery.

This slap-stick-like comedy is definitely aimed toward children, while adults in the audience can enjoy the subtle innuendos and heavy sarcasm.

It is also captures the meaning of family, and self-acceptance theme similar to “Finding Nemo.”

It is no wonder why the University Board chose to show this film during family weekend at Eastern.

The DVD will release Nov. 15 of this year. During Family Weekend, the University Board will be showing “Finding Dory” at 7 p.m. Friday in the South Quad and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Martin Luther King Jr. Union.

Angelica Cataldo can be reached at 581-2812 or amcataldo@eiu.edu.