Dolphin Tale (2011) User Reviews

Totally by-the-numbers family drama

[blott2319-1 · 6/10 · 11 May 2020]

Dolphin Tale is about as obvious and by-the-numbers as you could possibly imagine from any inspirational animal film. If you saw a trailer, read the synopsis, or even made a rough guess based on the title, I'm betting you could come pretty close to guessing what this movie delivers. It's the kind of script that I could see a screenwriter inventing even if an actual tail-less dolphin didn't exist as the basis for their story. The most interesting element of Dolphin Tale is definitely the fact that Winter is a real dolphin and has actually dealt with the problems dramatized in this movie. Of course, the movie wants to focus on a character who can talk, so instead the plot is more about a young boy who wants to help save this injured dolphin. It's the "Free Willy" formula, and apparently it works for most people because this was a box office success. But the sad truth is that basically every detail of this film is a fabrication used to make a Hollywood story out of a unique animal that could be inspiring on her own.

Once I forced myself to ignore the discrepancy between reality and Dolphin Tale, I was able to get some enjoyment from it. It's hard not to be affected by the tug on your heartstrings when a movie is about a struggling boy who finally finds passion in his life. And, of course, that impact is increased by the fact that a crippled dolphin is part of that story. While most of this movie was overflowing with cliché, I did appreciate that it avoided going straight down every obvious pathway. There was one particular event that I expected from early on in the film, and I was surprised the movie never went there. Probably the most annoying aspect of Dolphin Tale is the trope of the aquarium running low on funds and needing to find a way to stay open. It was one additional layer of conflict that the movie didn't require. I can appreciate Dolphin Tale for what it is, and could even recommend it for family entertainment, but I also wish I could just watch a documentary about how Winter was truly saved.

Cheesy, hokey, corny, love it

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 3 March 2014]

Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble) is stuck in summer school and his belove cousin Kyle, who is a champion swimmer, is going to war. One day, he helps rescue a dolphin entangled by a crab trap. The dolphin named Winter loses her tale and she needs her rescuer. Dr. Haskett (Harry Connick Jr.) reluctantly agrees to let him help. Kyle loses his leg in the war. Dr. McCarthy (Morgan Freeman) working on Kyle's prosthetic leg is recruited to develop a prosthetic tail for Winter.

It's a very lovely family movie. Sure it's pulling on all the heart strings. It's got a pelican sidekick, the adorable kid leads, war heroes, disabled kids, and the dolphin. It may be cheesy. It may be hokey. It may be corny. But I love it all. If you have a heart, you'll love it too.

So it's a word play?

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 29 March 2012]

I'm not sure if Dolphins like cheese, but I sure hope you do, if you are going to watch this movie. Seriously though: The movie has quite a few moments that might flip other movies over into complete kitsch. I don't know how they managed, but they stayed on the right side of kitsch if you wanna call it that.

And it is a kids movie after all. While I don't cut them too much slack (remember even if you're a kid watching, in 10-20 years you might wanna re-watch your "favorite" movies again and be bitterly surprised), this one just gets by it. There are a few story points that really are too much, but overall the movie is just too confident. Plus you've got to love Dolphins anyway (well at least I do) and their "tales" ...

A perfect family movie!

[dan-169-25741 · 24 September 2011]

This is the first review I have written, but I feel obligated as this movie was so perfect for its genre. I'm not saying it is an academy award winner, but as far as inspirational, age appropriate and inspiring family movies go, if simply won't get much better than this.

Let me start by saying that I have a child with a physical disability, and during his second surgery, his school class gave him a book about Winter. This was way before the movie, and I had never heard of Winter. My son (age 5), who loves fish and sea life, was instantly taken with the idea of a dolphin that was special like he was. We read the book many times, and even at the hospital we promised that someday he would get to meet Winter.

About six months after his surgery, we traveled to Clearwater from our home on the opposite Florida Coast (4 hour drive). When we arrived we found the aquarium there very sparse and not all that impressive. That said, they were majorly renovating due to the money that they were paid to make this movie even though it still wasn't out yet. That said, Winter was well worth the trip. She is every bit as inspirational and real as what you see in the movie. I'm only bringing this up to focus on my movie review. This is for anyone that thought the movie was over the top sappy or cheesy. I'm sorry, but that part is true and to not make it look that way would be virtually impossible. Winter gives hope to people with special needs. My son even made her a card and got to hold her special tail.

The other features of the movie like the boy finding her and probably many other aspects are creative license. She was actually found by a boat on the East coast of Florida. But, I don't think that really matters. When we went there, even with no movie, and met Winter we knew that she was a movie star.

The movie itself was well produced, well-acted (Morgan Freeman was very good), and took on difficult themes subtly for young children. I guess the best comparison to this would be Free Willy, however that story was pure fantasy and simply not as good of a movie, in any way, to Dolphin Tale.

I highly recommend this movie for any family, especially anyone with a disability. And as far as the barely believable and possibly sappy plot, sometime real life is like that and that is a good thing!

Very Nice

[utgard14 · 7/10 · 5 June 2014]

Heartwarming family movie that's very sweet and inspirational. If this movie doesn't make you smile, I feel sorry for you. Yes, it's predictable if you're an older viewer but that's not always a bad thing. It's based on a true story about this dolphin who loses her tail and the efforts to give her a prosthetic tail that might enable her to swim normally. They add some fictional elements to the movie for dramatic effect but nothing too corny. It's got a good cast and a good story with a lot of heart. The little girl Cozi Zuehlsdorff is especially adorable. It's a really nice movie with a hopeful message. It's a dolphin movie, people. Who doesn't like dolphins?

A positive message of hope and redemption in the face of adversity

[3xHCCH · 7/10 · 28 October 2011]

This is a nice little inspirational movie that had a relentlessly positive message, and an exuberant talented cast (led by Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Harry Connick, Jr.) to boot. While the title and the poster already tells you what to expect, the movie actually had a multi- layered plot, all of these sub-stories drive home the same positive message of hope and redemption in the face of adversity.

The main story of course is that of Winter, a young dolphin whose tail got caught and seriously injured in a crab trap. Sawyer, a young boy with school and father issues, grows very attached to this dolphin that he saved. When Winter's tail was eventually amputated, Sawyer sought the help of the prosthetics expert at the veteran's hospital to come up with a prosthetic tail so the dolphin could swim normally again.

To thicken this simple and straightforward main plot, the script gave us several supporting stories. We get the story of Sawyer's older cousin Kyle, a swimmer who tragically lost his leg in the war. The very marine hospital itself where Winter was confined was in trouble with its sponsors and was threatened with closure. The very community of Clearwater, Florida where the story happened also had to face the wrath of a calamitous cyclone. We get to witness how these "broken" people had the will to rise above their difficulties and move on with their lives.

There was of course no surprises anymore how this will end. However, the story telling was engaging without being too pushy or cheesy with its message. The kid actors were very natural and not annoying, especially the young man who played Sawyer, Nathan Gamble. I think it is a very good family film where important lessons about life can be learned by all. Once in a while it is quite refreshing to watch a happy positive film so reinforce the belief that not all hope is lost in this seemingly sad and cruel world of ours.

What a great film!

[septhdr-156-627329 · 10/10 · 10 September 2011]

Congrat's Charlie Smith, you've done it again. Congrat's Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson...and Bob Engelman. I've been a part of a lot of films in our industry, as an actress, a choreographer, a director...and there are only a handful of great films you can point too, that you can watch over and over and over, and it never gets old. Dolphin Tale will be added to that list. From Morgan Freeman to Ashley Judd, all of the actors were phenomenal. The child actor Nathan Gamble pours his little heart into this one, and will become the new it young actor. Harry Connick Jr. is the dad of all dads, and the young actress Cozi Zuehlsdorff will will eventually become a wonderful little actress if she stays away from troublemakers in the industry. There were also a lot of successful actors in the supporting cast that helped make this film one for the ages. like, Frances Sternhagen, Kris Kristofferson, Ray McKinnon, Jim Fitzpatrick, Marc Macauly and Richard Libertini. And last but not least Winter. If you love animals and/or Dolphins..you too will love Dolphin Tale!

Brief Review on "Dolphin Tale"

[TroyeEvans · 6/10 · 14 October 2011]

"Dolphin Tale" is definitely a good movie for the whole family. Both children and adults will enjoy this. It may not have much depth but it is the sort of movie that can entertain people at all ages. The story is linear and simple. Basically it is about a boy who develops a bond with a dolphin named Winter and is dedicated to helping the dolphin with a lost tail to swim again. The story does build on simplicity but it still manages to be touching at certain moments. The story develops at a moderate pace. There are some underwater scenes in the film and the effects are nicely done. This film also does not disappoint people who have paid for 3D tickets.

All in all, "Dolphin Tale" is a good family film for the weekend.

An Inspiration to us all

[facebook-124-955845 · 10/10 · 10 September 2011]

Inspirational films are often difficult to review. The movie is inspirational for a reason; therefore, it's usually telling a story of someone making the best out of a bad situation. The problem is that no one wants to be the person to say the movie isn't worth watching. Thankfully, Dolphin Tale isn't one of those movies. Dolphin Tale tells the true story of Winter, a dolphin who due to a very unfortunate accident loses her tail and the group of people who help her to survive despite her handicap.

Director Charles Martin Smith, best known for his roles in The Untouchables and Never Cry Wolf, takes a heartfelt story and presents it just as is. The movie's lead is a young actor named Nathan Gamble, who plays Sawyer Nelson. . Gamble is surrounded by high level talent, which you usually don't find in movies of this type; Ashley Judd, plays Lorraine Nelson, Sawyer's mom; Morgan Freeman, working alongside of Judd for the third time, plays Dr. McCarthy, a VA doctor tasked with trying to create a working prosthetic to replace Winter's tail; and Harry Connick Jr. is doctor Clay Haskett, who runs the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and along with his team is mostly responsible for saving Winter's life. Judd provides an endearing charm as Lorraine, and her enthusiasm shines through. There couldn't have been anyone better to play Dr. McCarthy than the great Morgan Freeman. Freeman gives credence to Dr. McCarthy and, thanks to him not being in the right frame of mind, his dedication to creating a new tail for Winter. The charismatic Harry Connick Jr. gives a stellar performance, providing Sawyer with a role model. Cozi Zuehlsdorf makes her acting debut as Hazel Haskett, Sawyer's best friend. Along with Sawyer, the two of them work together to make some magical happen. Zuehlsdorf's shining personality and adorable smile, along with her chattiness, reminded me of what makes my own daughter so special. Not to be overlooked or forgotten, Winter the Dolphin plays herself and is a wonder to watch.

Dolphin Tale teaches and inspires in so many ways. It teaches us to not judge anyone that may be different; it teaches us that family is forever; it inspires us to be role models; it inspires single parents to keep up the great work; and most importantly it inspires those that have set back to never give up. Winter's story is an incredible miracle. As I sat between my son, who's almost 8, and my daughter who is 5, I couldn't help but well up with tears at the determination of these extraordinary people as they all went above and beyond in the hopes of saving a fish; yes, I know that dolphins are mammals and are not really fish. At the end of the movie, I asked my kids how they liked it and they both said that they loved it. They then asked me how I liked it, and my response to them was "I think that may have been my favorite movie so far this summer." I no longer have to think about it, it IS my favorite movie so far this year.

Grade: A+

Be sure to check out Winter at www.seewinter.com; and then check out our website at www.twodudereview.com

Kind of corny but okay for kids

[SusieSalmonLikeTheFish · 6/10 · 25 September 2014]

I'm sure you've heard of Flipper, Beethoven, Homeward Bound, Shiloh, etc. These types of films are rarely very good, and are often the story of a lonely child (multiple children on occasion) who find an animal they have adventures with. These films are popular with the "my dog is my fur-child" nonsense people, and with little kids. Dolphin Tale isn't much different, but it strays from the norm enough to excite kids.

Sawyer is an 11-year-old boy who is lonely and sad that his beloved cousin Kyle is enrolling in the military. One day he meets a concerned fisherman who has found a bottlenose dolphin with an injured tail (caught in a crab trap), and the two call a rescue team and although Sawyer continues skipping classes to visit the dolphin, his mother notices his bad moods improving and permits him to continue visiting "Winter". Winter's tail has to be amputated but a prosthetic tail is built so Winter can properly swim. Sawyer also takes up volunteering at the local hospital. Meanwhile Kyle becomes depressed, and during a hurricane Winter may have to be euthanized. Can Sawyer save the dolphin from this fate?

Dolphin Tale had some of those "so-fake-sweet-I'm-gonna-puke" moments, along with incredibly dorky moments, but it can hold an audience with its strange originality. The soundtrack wasn't very good but the acting was half-decent and the bottlenose dolphin was pretty cute. What some people may find interesting is that it was based on a true story. It also came out the same year as Soul Surfer, a film about a teenage girl who loses her arm to a shark attack. Most adults wouldn't be able to take this film seriously because it's so cheesy at times, but for kids and animal-lovers it could have quite a large audience.

4/10

[yoshbuck · 4/10 · 7 June 2022]

Its a simple movie about disability and also finding your passion. The performances are alright but this film made me want more. It could've spent more time in it's story, but since this is a kids movie, better appeal to their short attention span. This movie is fine watching with family (if you have children), but if not just watch a documentary of helping dolphins. You would get the same vibes and a more richer plot.

Great for the family

[smcgough1019 · 10/10 · 31 August 2011]

This movie is a fun, feel good movie the whole family can enjoy. Don't let the PG rating scare off the little ones. The only reason I can figure they gave it a PG rating is because of the talk of prosthetics and because Winter loses her tail. It is based on the story of Winter the dolphin. A lot of it is true although they have "hollywooded" it up. I saw it in 3D. I think the cinematography was beautiful. The colors were very vibrant. Winter is an inspiration to us all. She shows kids that anyone can overcome obstacles.

Decent Animal Story; Sort Of Flipper In Real Life

[sddavis63 · 6/10 · 18 August 2012]

My suggestion if you're going to watch this is to think of Flipper in real life and fighting against much bigger odds. Really - there are a lot of similarities, especially the bond between Winter (the dolphin whose tail had to be amputated after being caught in a fishing line) and young Sawyer (Nathan Gamble) - a troubled kid involved in her rescue.

As all animal stories tend to be, this one is heartwarming. After being taken to the Clearwater Marine Hospital, it's feared that Winter will die because without a tail she can't swim. But she teaches herself to swim like a fish (moving her backside side to side) only then to have it discovered that the motion itself will kill her by damaging her spine. The trick then is to develop a prosthesis to save her life.

It's a good story, humorous at times, sad at times. Obviously it revolves around Winter's struggle to survive, but there's a lot of human drama going on in this as well, which perhaps gives it a bit of adult "gravitas." There are some fairly well known faces in this - Harry Connick, Jr. as the head of the Marine Hospital, Kris Kristofferson as his father and Morgan Freeman as the doctor who finally develops the prosthesis. It's better than "Flipper" mostly because it's based on a true story. It takes a few liberties but tells the basics pretty well. (6/10)

Exactly as advertised

[katy-247-158113 · 5/10 · 18 January 2012]

Just watching the advertisements on television about the movie pretty much sums it all up. It is more of a goodie goodie movie suited for teens, kids and animal lovers. Sure it was OK but that is as far as it goes. After all I knew in advance that it was a movie about a dolphins tail and to be honest with you, so what a dolphin got a fake tail. Low interest for me. I do like family movies probably more than any other type, but I need a better subject matter than a dolphin getting a tail and an odd kid coming out of his shell because of it. The acting was certainly alright, but the subject matter needed help in my opinion. I watched it because I thought others may like it. We all drew the same conclusion, it was OK.

Great Kids' Stuff

[JohnDeSando · 23 September 2011]

"Family is forever."

Although Dolphin Tale is by far not my favorite film of the year, like Midnight in Paris, it is a solid kids' film, an adventure that treats animals and 11 year olds with respect and doesn't demonize adults.

A dolphin, Winter, needs a new tail to survive a crab-trap entanglement, and 11 year old Sawyer Nelson is the new friend to help her through the adjustment. His job: show us that being excited about something worthwhile is the answer to school blues and mother loss. The film is aces at showing that being engaged in helping a living being leads to success and happiness.

A slew of other good-willed people help Winter, from like-minded friends to doctors to grandpas. And that's the sweet point of the film, emblazoned on an all-purpose Swiss Army knife: "Family is Forever." With two crucial families needing a mother in one and a father in the other, "family" extends to the community that nurtures children, adults, and animals. Not only does a Clearwater, Florida, marine rescue hospital need financial support to continue, so also does a crippled soldier and Winter. The figurative connections are obvious but still carefully entered into the drama so as not to heighten the sugar content.

Besides, any movie that includes Kris Kristofferson as a benevolent grandpa and Morgan Freeman as a caring prosthetics doctor can't be all bad. For a supposedly sophisticated film critic, I'm veritably childlike in the presence of these accomplished actors. BTW, Ashley Judd as single mom gets my attention, as she always does.

Yet that Winter, she's all any man could want: smart and silky with mysterious eyes that seem to say, "With our help, you men will make it just fine." No man bashing in this film, just recognition that communal charity and mutual respect will win the day.

Something about this Disneyesque, retro children's adventure makes me happy.

Heartwarming family fare.

[michaelRokeefe · 7/10 · 14 August 2012]

This is a "fuzzy feel good" movie about the love between a lonely boy and an injured dolphin. Sawyer(Nathan Gamble)on his way to summer school finds a trapped dolphin on the beach tangled in a crab trap. The injured dolphin is taken to an animal hospital ran by Dr. Clay Haskett(Harry Connick Jr), who is forced to remove the dolphin's tale to save its life. Haskett's young daughter Hazel(Cozi Zuehisdorff)agrees with Sawyer that if only the dolphin could feel and swim normal it would survive. By the help of Dr. Cameron McCarthy(Morgan Freeman)hope comes to reality when a prosthetic tail is successfully accepted by the dolphin. Connick Jr is faultless in this role. The cast is rounded out by Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson and Francis Sternhagen. An uplifting movie for the entire family.

Good Family Movie

[bob-rutzel-1 · 7/10 · 16 January 2012]

This movie was inspired by the true story of Winter.

Sawyer (Gamble) helps a wounded dolphin (Winter) on the beach. A call to 911 puts Winter at the Clearwater Marine Hospital. Sawyer keeps checking on Winter as they share a bond.

So there I was rushing to see another Ashley Judd movie (hold on Bob, this was not an Ashley Judd movie) Yeah, I found out. She had a small role as Lorraine, Sawyer's mother, and did good. And, with a possible romantic angle with Dr. Clay Haskett (Connick, Jr),in charge of the hospital, you would expect a romantic thing between them.

But, this is a kids' story (Winter's too) and the two young actors Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehisdorff as Hazel carried this movie all the way to the end. Very good.

Most of the movie centered on fixing Winter who severely injured her tail in a fisherman's cage and netting. The tail needed fixing as Winter needed to swim with the tail going up and down, and not sideways. If the tail was not fixed, Winter would die in time.

Dr. McCarthy (Freeman) is brought in to see if he could help with some kind of prosthetic to help Winter swim properly. And, with that voice you just believe things will be all right in time. Morgan Freeman has that affect.

Rufus, a pesky pelican, makes some unexpected appearances and acts like comic relief quite often.

A very nice movie the whole family can enjoy, but bring a box of Kleenex with you anyway. You might need it in places.

Winter, the dolphin, is real and you can go to http://www.seewinter.com to learn more.

Watch all the way to the end to see live shots of Winter and the medical team that helped her. (7/10)

Violence: No. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: No.

Everything to love!

[huntclan-148-10669 · 10/10 · 31 August 2011]

I brought my 8 year old daughter with me to preview Dolphin Tale and we both LOVED it! This is a perfect family movie and I couldn't recommend it enough. The message was positive and although there were some heavy topics addressed - it wasn't over the top... you leave feeling good with lots to think about. This isn't just a movie that encourages you to never give up. It did a great job bringing up real issues like self-image, pride, acceptance of those who are different, self-worth, homeschooling, importance of family, the power of a good family, the value of family. It addresses family relationships, friendship with those who are different, public school issues... oh, and so much more! This movie opens opportunity for discussion with your kids OR you can just go and enjoy the story. Can't wait to see it again in September!

Decent family film for non-cinematic reasons--I would have preferred the documentary instead!

[talisencrw · 7/10 · 16 September 2016]

This was a decent watch, not for cinematic reasons per se but for making the world a better place. I watched this with my son, Julian, and I was pleased with how they took the true story, including the actual dolphin from it, and, especially for kids, promoted environmentalism, caring for animals, etc.--really solid and important aspects that need to be, more than ever, emphasized in the youth of today.

My only qualms is that I have very mixed emotions about the casting. I know that to get an important environmental message heard, and thus the film watched, you have to incorporate Hollywood megastars. I simply wish this didn't have to be the case. The story would have come across better with unknown actors--or simply as a sincere documentary without the Hollywood B.S.

Emotional, entertaining, and captivating!

[edac681 · 10/10 · 13 September 2011]

The story of Dolphin Tale is very inspirational and uplifting. It teaches us not to give up when all seems hopeless. Winter lost her tail and the aquarium was poised to close down due to financial issues. After the aquarium exhausted all possible options, they had to sell the aquarium, but no other centres are willing to accept Winter. The last option they have was to put her down peacefully. Despite the hopelessness, young Sawyer Nelson (played by Nathan Gamble) refuses to give up. After witnessing a mother and her little girl who has only one leg were willing to drive hours up from out of town just to see Winter, Sawyer came up with a brilliant plan that can save this handicapped dolphin. Although Sawyer failed many of his school subjects, he is indeed brilliant. His mom was surprised by his knowledge, commitment and intelligence, brought forth by what he was interested in.

There are many lessons that we can take from Dolphin Tale. One of the many lessons is that children who may not seem bright at first, just needs to find a subject of interest to them in order to display their intelligence. Moreover, miracles do happen, but sometimes we need to persevere long enough and never give up before we are able to see it happen. Dolphin Tale teaches us that there is hope even when all seems hopeless.

Dolphin Tale neither has a typical villain nor a big climax. It is simply an inspirational movie that I find to be emotional, entertaining and captivating. It is children friendly and excellent for the whole family to watch. I was astounded by this movie and I highly encourage everyone to watch it. The actors and actresses truly deliver. Moreover, I am once again dazzled by Gamble's acting as he brilliantly portrays the character of Sawyer Nelson. I look forward to his future projects and I believe he will continue to rise in the film industry.

The Vidiot Reviews...

[capone666 · 6/10 · 19 December 2011]

Dolphin Tale

The only time dolphin tails make the news is when one ends up in a tuna sandwich.

Fortunately, the detached appendage in this family movie steered clear of the deli counter.

When a shy, young boy (Nathan Gamble) discovers an injured dolphin in a crab trap, he uses his genial nature to calm the beast and free it from its confines.

The marred mammal is later taken to a refuge, where a doctor (Harry Connick Jr.) removes the damaged extremity.

To get the despondent dolphin to eat after the surgery, the doctor coaxes the coy kid from the beach to help.

Later, the same boy convinces the doctor to allow a prosthetics expert (Morgan Freeman) to construct an artificial tail.

Utilizing science and compassion to overcome loss, this true story tugs the heartstrings while sating medical curiosity.

Now, if only every amputee could be outfitted with a synthetic dolphin tale. (Yellow Light)

vidiotreviews.blogspot.com

Dolphin tail is garbage!

[zachthebeast123 · 1/10 · 17 January 2012]

This movie is garbage! My family rented it because they though it would be good. It ended up being complete garbage. The first problem was the actors. The kid was awful, and even Morgan freeman delivered an uninspired performance. I'm surprised that it didn't ruin their godforsaken careers. The second problem was the graphics. You could clearly tell the dolphins were computer generated. The fake "non-tail" was completely unconvincing, and the overall look of the film was horrible. The final problem was the predictability of the film.it was clear what would happen by watching the preview. I highly recommend not renting this film, and especially not buying it. It was truly garbage. If you watch it, you will be truly disappointed.

OMG, totally loved this film.

[septhdr-163-372499 · 10/10 · 18 September 2011]

Without going into a dissertation of my life and background I went to the Warner Brother's Premiere last night at the village theater in Westwood and my eyes were watery almost the entire movie. Being an animal lover and activist I would equate this film in it's quality to several other extremely successful animal feature films, which I love and watch, over and over again.

Dolphin Tale reminded me of some of the greatest animal films I've ever seen, such as 'My Dog Skip' 'Born Free' 'Babe' 'Old Yeller' 'Marley and Me' Benji' 'Free Willy' 'Lassie' and 'Flipper' but better! The family relationships between Ashley Judd and Nathan Gamble (mother & son) and then Gamble and Austin Stowell (1st cousins) and then Stowell and his parents Kim Ostrenko (Judd's sister) and Jim Fitzpatrick (Judd's brother in law & Stowell's father) and then Gamble and Winter the Dolphin and then Winter and Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff (Gamble's new best friend) and her dad Harry Connick Jr (Marine Biologist) and then Connick and his dad Kris Kristofferson...was priceless.

The story of Winter obviously is what drives this film, but it the relationships is what makes this movie so emotional and visceral. Everyone will be able to associate themselves with these relationships.

Not to mention that the film is beautifully shot and it appears as though the town of Clearwater beach is a a cozy little beautiful place.

This may be THEE BEST animal movies EVER made...EVER!

Dolphin Tale is an inspirational story of the handicapped Winter

[tavm · 7/10 · 24 September 2011]

All right, I just watched this movie and I just found that some characters were either made up or embellished into one person but despite that, I found this tale of the handicapped dolphin Winter quite inspirational. Certainly having to use a prosthetic tail in order to swim properly is worth showing for anyone who wonders if such a thing was possible and also being told by the characters why that tail is important is worthy info. I also found out the character who invented it looked nothing like Morgan Freeman but since he's not someone really famous, I'm guessing it won't be too much of a big deal for anyone who knows how "true stories" are always exaggerated for dramatic purposes. I mean, while there might not have been a withdrawn boy that helped this Winter come out of her shell, seeing him in the person of Sawyer, played by Nathan Gamble, does provide someone to empathize with when comparing attitudes that progress for the better. And seeing him befriending a similar-aged girl named Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff) and her father, a veterinarian played by Harry Connick, Jr., also is wonderfully touching to see. There are some scenes, like Hazel and Sawyer's playing with a flying model helicopter, that seem meant for laughs (which I thought was only slightly amusing), but overall, Dolphin Tale is a good family drama that doesn't get too sugary-sweet in the extreme. Oh, and I'm soooo glad that Connick's widowed dad didn't suddenly fall for Sawyer's abandoned mom (Ashley Judd). That would definitely have been too much! And the 3-D images were fine but weren't really necessary.

Review - Dolphin Tale

[Maxence_G · 5/10 · 4 May 2020]

I dislike this sage so much, I don't want to repeat my precedent review, but this one is not different from the sequel, it is boring and every emotion seems faked.

However, you will get what you expect, this is for sure another cash begging feel-good movie about a disabled animal.

I'm pretty sure that the only good think about this movie is that it encouraged charity.