Dolphin Tale

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source: Dolphin Tale

This movie was awesome! It has a much more detailed plot than I was led to believe just watching the trailers. I really liked the way the events of the movie tied together so well, telling a very well rounded story. It not only helps to make the world aware of the plight of wounded marine animals but it shows just how much work goes into saving them. It was wonderful to see a child that didn't fit in to the normal day to day life of most kids could find something to interest him and turn his life into something that made him so very happy. It very much shows how when someone feels all is lost, follow your heart and never give up. The world can surprise you. I will tell everyone I know that this movie is for everyone to see and enjoy as much as I did.

I was able to see this film at its premiere last weekend in Westwood, CA, with my teen-aged niece and nephew, my husband who is a harsh critique, and my 6 year old son who is both exceptionally gifted and has special needs. We ALL loved this film and could not stop talking about it after we left. (Like others, I'm also not sure why it's PG; I think it easily could be G). Part of what attracts me to 'living' stories is that these are timeless in appeal to all generations. When there are times of life 'tests', we can reach for the images and meaning of these stories for hope and inspiration. Dolphin Tale is such a tale...and, in this true story of 'Winter' -- the dolphin, there is a moment when an important decision had to be made given a life 'test', and in this process a classic was referred to by the grandfather (Kristofferson) in order to help guide this decision. It is a reminder to all parents and educators to read to our children from all types of works including great classics that paint these vivid images in our children's minds. The other thing I liked about the story (aside from it touching my heart, and yes, tears will be shed) is that the main girl (Cozi Zuehlsdorff) in the story in home schooled and in no way is there any negative connotation. We see the benefits of what this looks like in her world and it shows the importance of how, in education philosopher Charlotte Mason's words, "Education is the science of relations." Learning is meant to be taught in a way that creates a love for life-long learning and how this love is interdisciplinary. Charlotte Mason believed that dreary/dawdling lessons "stultified a child's wits" and blocked his/her intellectual progress. I love the film example of the classroom teacher teaching content and method and how it did nothing for this film's other protagonist (Nathan Gamble): Luckily this protagonist was able to experience an example of 'homeschooling', and luckily Nathan Gamble's character's original classroom teacher witnessed these fruits so that he can hopefully change his meaningless classroom content and delivery methods that affect many of our nations' children. Another reason I love this film....I just LOVE LOVE Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd's performances. This officially is a classic in my book!

The biggest problem with this movie… about an injured dolphin that's rescued and given a prosthetic tail… is the dolphin itself, played by real life "Winter," is hardly around. Inspired by a true story, the main character is a child actor straight out of FREE WILLY. He not only helped rescue Winter, but is the only human being that the dolphin really responds with. Much of the film centers on the kid, his family – which includes a single mother and an athletic cousin wounded in battle – and the aquatic caretakers, lead by Henry Connick Jr. and his young daughter. Things drag till the kid meets Morgan Freeman while visiting his cousin at a Veteran's Hospital. Freeman, who creates prosthetic limbs for wounded soldiers, is the man who gives the dolphin its new tail (several, in fact). Winter violently rejects all prototypes till the very ending: when it all comes down to the line. Directed by American GRAFFITI alumni Charles Martin Smith, this is more melodrama than adventure, but flows decently enough and most importantly, children will take interest. For More Reviews: http://cultfilmfreakreviews.blogspot.com

From what I've seen, the trailer on TV and previews have everyone expecting a sappy and cloying family drama; all the elements for it are there - war tragedy, absent parents, incredibly cute animals, confused adults, children - but somehow it manages to transcend the trappings of the family drama genre. There is absolutely nothing more to the story than what's on the trailer but nevertheless, the way it gets to the inevitable points in the story are done with great skill and nuance. The performances coaxed out of all the actors are great, even the dolphin Winter and the pelican. "Dolphin Tale" aims to tell a very simple story and never over-complicates it. The movie aims to offer an atmosphere and glimpses of lives rather than something story driven. Though the movie boasts of big names, they are never above or beyond the story and all are pieces of the story rather than big actors. The movie does veer a bit into the boy and his beloved pet territory that might get parent cringing that their kids are going to want dolphins for Christmas or dolphin rides or whatever the amusement park version of it is. But, as a whole the movie does manage to be about the dolphin Winter as the title promises and not overly about the characters. For a movie to take your kids too and for you to enjoy as well, I highly recommend the movie.

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.

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.

I took my two older boys (and many other families from our home-school group) to see the movie yesterday, and we all LOVED it! Very family- friendly (don't see any reason for the PG rating?!) It was uplifting and encouraging for all of us, especially friends who have loved ones in the military who have suffered loss of limb (and more!) and still find hope, in part due to motivational films like this one!! There is a strong message of courage, perseverance, and hope throughout!! We also enjoyed the child actors (Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff) - both were excellent and it is encouraging to see home-schooled children make a "splash" in Hollywood without stooping to bad-words and disrespectful attitudes as the catch for drawing viewers! Although the young boy character, Sawyer, begins the movie with a troubled attitude and dislike for school, we watch his interest and passions evolve throughout the movie, which leads to an attitude improvement toward his Mom, as well. Also enjoyed Morgan Freeman's performance, as the compassionate and caring Dr. McCarthy. Really, every actor performance was top-notch, in my opinion! We recommend this film for everyone!!

I highly recommend this movie. Such a feel good movie and I love that it's a true story. Winter totally won over my heart. Such a sweet dolphin! I just can't get over how much I loved this movie! My 7 year old also loved it. This movie showed an amazing story of triumph and not giving up. Really relates to those with handicaps. Winter has an amazing, thriving nature to her and shows us how to be compassionate, loving, and caring. I cried tears of joy seeing her overcome her disability and showing others that it can be done. This movie was very well made and focused on her rehab instead of her injury. If you have a love for dolphins this is a must see!