Dolphin Tale

There has been a trend recently to make films that feature animals or ecological issues. Most are low budget and have a very short theatrical run. But Dolphin Tale, directed by Charles Martin Smith is better than most and contains an excellent cast consisting of Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr., Kris Kristofferson and Morgan Freeman.

Based on an actual event, Dolphin Tale focuses on a boy named Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble) and his relationship with a dolphin (Winter playing herself) who washed up on the beach with severe injuries. Sawyer cuts her loose from a crab trap and they quickly form a bond. But before Sawyer knows it the dolphin is being packed up and transported to a rescue and rehabilitation facility where she loses her tail due to an infection.

Sawyer, wanting to know her fate, begins cutting summer school to spend time with her at the facility. When his mother (Ashley Judd) finds out she is hopping mad. But after visiting the rescue center herself she sees how invested Sawyer is and how much he is learning in the process. She agrees to let him stay knowing that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

After Winter recovers and Sawyer becomes best friends with Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff), the doctor’s daughter, the two of them spend their time entertaining Winter and helping her to get stronger. But a new problem occurs. Dolphins are meant to swim with an up and down tail movement and Winter has adapted by propelling herself side to side. This is causing spinal cord issues and endangering her life. When Sawyer goes to a V.A. hospital to visit his wounded cousin, he marvels over all the prosthetics he sees and their wide range of variety. He introduces himself to one of the designers and asks if he’d ever considered designing a prosthetic for a dolphin.  The doctor (Morgan Freeman) is intrigued by the challenge and agrees to give it a try. Meanwhile, Dr. Clay (Harry Connick Jr.) is tasked with funding the project while still trying to keep his center from going under.

Dolphin Tale is essentially a movie about overcoming challenges and never giving up. Not a bad subject for a film to take the kiddies. It is not overly-maudlin and it is enjoyable even for adults. And the setting reminds me of my youth watching Flipper. I’ve always had a thing for dolphins and this film only reinforces that. Winter does a great job portraying herself and you can easily see how she has become a media star. The film does get a little sentimental but due to the fine cast and the light touch of the director it is not overdone. Dolphin Tale is an excellent family film and a palatable way to get a message across; don’t give up, find a way, and never let your disability define
you.

Rating: First Run A message film that entertains