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Finding Nemo

© James C. Hess

As regular, long-time readers of criticism and reviews by your humble scribe no doubt know a sure-fire way to infuriate and anger me is to make me--MAKE ME--go to a film or movie that proves not to have a sufficient story.

As regular, long-time readers of criticism and reviews by yours truly know the reason I become insanely upset upon the discovery of such things owes nothing to having paid the price of admission to same. The reason I become unglued is because discovery of such things go to prove an assertion I have long propounded. An assertion I have beaten so hard and so long I have a permanent indentation in the palm of my hand as a result: The Hollywood Machine does not know how to tell a good story. The reason the Hollywood Machine does not know how to tell a good story is because, simply, it does NOT want to.

Every now and then, though, as I pause to catch my breath, thereby preventing myself from passing out from oxygen deprivation, something happens: Someone, somewhere within the Hollywood Machine, actually, apparently, takes notice of my rants and ruminations on this subject, pauses, and then replies: Y'know: He's right. Whatsay we actually tell a good story for a change?

Much posturing and pontificating follows and eventually a dogged soul survives to produce a film or movie with a good story contained within.

Now understand: This happens not because of me and my howls on the matter, but in spite of it: Consider such events abnormalities.

Albeit much-welcomed and desired ones.

Of course this begs a question: Why is it a good story is an abnormality within the confines of the Hollywood Machine? Shouldn't it be the other way around? Shouldn't bad or weak stories be the odd ones out?

Don't ask me. I'm just a writer.

And a critic, from time to time.

But don't worry or fret over this oddity--the fact a good story is hard to find within the Hollywood Machine. Instead be thankful for those good stories that manage to be produced by way of the Hollywood Machine and sing high and long their praises.

Including a little effort of late entitled "Finding Nemo".

"Finding Nemo" is the latest from Pixar, the movie studio that has built a solid reputation for computer-based animation that includes but is not limited to comedy, drama, beauty, bizarre, outrageous, touching, sensitive, and, well, the often-overlooked story.

In the case of "Finding Nemo" the story is about fish. Although I doubt very much you could find such creatures in your local pet store, and maybe that is a good thing, given the adventures that ensue.