As Pixar’s latest animated movie sweeps (or swims) through theaters around the country, it’s hard to imagine that anyone picking up THQ’s Disney/Pixar Finding Nemo game for Xbox wouldn’t already know the cute cast of characters that make it all work. Then again, Xbox players are also known for their alpha-type tendencies to play first and then go check out “that movie based on the hit game” later… So, maybe a quick introduction to the main characters is not unwarranted.
First day of school.
Nemo The title character in the movie (and the game) is, of course, little Nemo. Nemo is a plucky, jubilant clownfish living on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. He has a stunted fin as a result from damage to his egg that occurred when a barracuda attack scooped up his mom and 399 of his brothers and sisters (which happens in the movie, but not the game, so no crying over the caviar, please). Because of his fortunate escape, dad and son call it his “lucky fin.”
Nemo is a wonderful example of learning to deal with a handicap, which in this case, seems to be his over-protective father as much as his stunted fin. Even though you get the idea that he’s led a fairly sheltered life, Nemo is both inquisitive and adventurous; which in a dangerous, dark ocean is not always a good thing. It certainly lands Nemo into a lot of trouble. But, although frightened much of the time, Nemo is never a victim. He learns how to cope and how to take charge. In the end, he’s there to save the day as his father roots him on. What more could a young fish want?
Clowning around on the reef.
Marlin Dad is a wreck. He’s also a rather unfunny clownfish, which is hilarious in and of itself. Although the game doesn’t go into the history of why, it’s clear that he’s timid and overprotective of his young son, Nemo. (Barracuda attack. Lost wife and children. Very sad. On with our story.) Marlin is afraid of the open ocean. He’s also uncomfortable with the idea of his son growing up and becoming his own fish (so, basically, he’s like fathers everywhere). But, there is never any doubt that he loves Nemo more than anything, including his own fears and insecurities.
When Nemo is taken, Marlin never hesitates. He chases after his son, out into the open waters. After meeting up with Dory, what follows is a series of adventures like nothing he’d ever planned (or wanted). Marlin has a lot of problems to overcome, not the least of which is his avoidance in making new attachments and his inability to enjoy life under the ocean. There’s a very good reason why half the movie revolves around dad. He has a lot of growing to do himself.
Dory and Nemo make some new friends.
Dory Dory is a regal blue tang and the most empty-headed ocean “princess” you could ever meet. Playful and endearing, she is lucky to remember her own name half the time. Swimming along mindlessly, her life to this point, has apparently been one of making friends, forgetting about them, and then making friends with the same person again and again and again. She is a happy fish, but has no direction in life.
As such, Dory is the perfect traveling companion for Marlin—always optimistic and ready to lighten the mood with a bit of foolish play. She also gives Marlin someone new to worry over, argue with, and at times, learn from. As the story progresses, she latches onto the adventure and Marlin’s single-minded quest with a new-found tenacity you only find in your very best friends. In her final breakthrough (actually being able to remember something important), it seems only right that she is the one who eventually reunites father and son.
