See it at the Movies

DOLPHIN TALE 2

Joyce and Don Fowler
Posted 9/17/14

* * * ½

(Kid-friendly sequel)

When we saw the trailer for “Dolphin Tale 2” Joyce said, “We’ve seen this,” and, in a way, we had.

The kid-friendly sequel takes place at the same …

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See it at the Movies

DOLPHIN TALE 2

Posted

* * * ½

(Kid-friendly sequel)

When we saw the trailer for “Dolphin Tale 2” Joyce said, “We’ve seen this,” and, in a way, we had.

The kid-friendly sequel takes place at the same Clearwater Marina Aquarium, features the same dolphin and most of the original cast members.

Winter, the rescued dolphin who was fitted with a prosthetic tail, is still entertaining sold-out crowds at the aquarium. When her companion dolphin dies of old age, Winter goes into a funk, forcing the director  (Harry Connick Jr.) to shut down the most popular attraction.

The aquarium is first and foremost a rehabilitation center for dolphins and other sea creatures. Their motto is “Rescue/Rehabilitate/Release. When a companion is found for Winter, its rehab is swift and successful, and the dolphin reluctantly must be returned to the wild.

Will another dolphin be found before Winter must be sent away to another facility? If one is rescued, can it be rehabilitated but have to remain at the aquarium because it can’t fend for itself in the wild? If so, will the dolphins be compatible?

The movie makes for a good family film, filled with opportunities for major decisions by both adults and young people. There’s humor provided by a cranky pelican that befriends a wounded sea turtle.

Sawyer (Nathan Gamble) is so attached to the dolphins and the project that he must decide whether or not to participate in a special marine biology summer school that will take him away.

The plot is pretty simple and the adults may get a bit bored at times, but don’t hesitate for a moment to bring the children and grandchildren.

Kris Kristofferson is back as Connick’s father, along with Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman.

The actual aquarium (the story is “inspired by true facts”) does wonderful work, not only with dolphins, sea turtles and other marine animals but with disabled children and adults who interact with Winter and the other dolphins.

Stick around for the credits and witness aquarium employees rescuing the dolphins and sea turtles and releasing them back to the sea when they are ready.

Rated PG, which makes it a Pretty Good family film.

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