Pixar has done it again. Not only has Finding Dory impressed critics with a staggering 95 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but the Nemo sequel is resonating with theatergoers as well. On Thursday, Finding Dory made history from the get-go with a $9.2 million haul from North America. That’s the best-ever opening for an animated film, and Disney continued the roll Friday during Dory’s nationwide release. The film pocketed an additional $50 million on its way to a potentially record-breaking weekend.
Early projections had Finding Dory banking a whopping $115 million during its opening weekend, but now that number has been revised. It’s looking more and more likely that Dory may bring in an estimated $130 million, which would be more than enough to shatter the previous animated opening record of $121.6 million set by Dreamworks’ Shrek the Third. Keep in mind Dory’s source material – Finding Nemo – only debuted with $70.2 million back in 2003.
As mentioned, it’s been a dream debut for Dory on the critical front, as well. Film critics have done nothing but improved Dory’s opening numbers with a slew of positive reviews. Finding Dory’s consensus on Rotten Tomatoes states: “Funny, poignant, and thought-provoking, Finding Dory delivers a beautifully animated adventure that adds another entertaining chapter to its predecessor's classic story.”
Still on the rocks? Here’s a synopsis of Finding Dory, courtesy of Disney: Pixar’s “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale? Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL-E”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL-E”).
Ellen Degeneres is back as Dory, along with Albert Brooks as Marlin. Newcomers such as Ty Burrell, Idris Elba, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy and Kaitlin Olson joined in on the fun this time around.
Safe to say you should probably go see Finding Dory if you haven’t already. It’s now playing in theaters nationwide.
