Thirteen years after a clownfish named Marlin (v. Albert Brooks, a most underrated comedian) and a forgetful blue tang named Dory (v. Ellen DeGeneres) found Nemo, Pixar returns to the ocean in search of Dory’s missing parents (v. Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton). When Dory’s memories start to return, the trio head across the ocean for a family reunion that is hampered by the confines of the Marine Life Institute. 

Finding Nemo and Wall-E writer-director Andrew Stanton keeps this second voyage under the sea from feeling like a retread with fun new characters, like Hank the octopus (v. Ed O’Neill), a nearsighted whale shark named Destiny (v. Kaitlin Olson, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), a concussed beluga whale named Bailey (v. Ty Burrell), a couple of lazy sea lions (v. Idris Elba and Dominic West) and a crazy loon named Becky. The quality dropoff from predecessor to sequel is quite shallow, even if the emotional tides of Dory ebb and flow without cresting as high as Nemo. 

The dangers of what lay ahead for young Nemo far outstripped those facing Dory, who has struggled on her forgetful own for much of her life. However, the likability of this animated feature is off the chart. DeGeneres has carefully crafted such a winning persona, and she channels all of it into Dory. The star’s sweet generosity permeates the film; she is Dory and Dory is she. Parents and children alike will enjoy finding her. Stick around for a swell post-credits scene if the kids will let you. The feature is also preceded by “Piper,” Disney’s most charming short in years.