Dolphin Tale 2 – Based on a True Story with Lessons About Friendship and Hope
In this sequel to the popular film, Dolphin Tale which follows the rescue and recovery of the beloved dolphin Winter, young Sawyer Nelson and the dedicated team at the Clearwater Marine Hospital face another crisis when her surrogate mother, the elderly Panama, passes away. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “I love this film! It is a fun and heartwarming movie that I think families will love too.” Samantha A., age 11 adds, “Dolphin Tail 2 is a movie based on a true story that teaches you about friendship, to NEVER give up and ALWAYS HAVE HOPE – literally. See their full reviews and Gerry O’s coverage from the World Premiere below.
Dolphin Tale 2
By Katherine S, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
I love this film! It is a fun and heartwarming movie that I think families will love too. It is a sequel to the original film Dolphin Tale, where Winter, a stranded dolphin was injured and a team of people care for and give her a prosthetic tail. It is now three years later and Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff return as Sawyer and Hazel along with star studded cast of Morgan Freeman as the Doctor, Ashley Judd as Hazel’s mom, Harry Connick Jr. and Kris Kristoferson as Sawyer’s dad and grandfather. This time, Winter’s mother dies and the team needs to find her a new companion or they will lose her to another aquarium. Soon, they get a call about a new dolphin they are thinking of putting her with. Now the question is will it work out?
Sawyer is also faced with an opportunity of a lifetime, but he struggles with the decision to stay and care for Winter or, go on a new adventure.
My favorite part is when Sawyer swims in the tank with Winter and the real Bethanie Hamilton, who quest appears as herself. I also love when they rescue Mandy, another hurt dolphin and potential companion for Winter. And, the Pelican provides great comic relief – it is especially funny when they are x-raying a rescued sea turtle and the pelican goes crazy!
My favorite character is Sawyer who does an amazing job in this film, showing a range of emotions – looking worried, happy and confused as he faces tough decisions for Winter and for his future.
The sets in the film are spectacular – at both the ocean and inside the aquarium. The Cinematography by Daryn Okada is awesome, especially the underwater photography.
One of the main messages in this film is “to never give up.” Another is that “Change is good. But, to experience new things, sometimes you have to leave old things behind.”
Dolphin Tale 2 is a great family film. I recommend it for both boys and girls ages 6 to 18 but, adults will love it too because, who doesn’t love dolphins? I rate this 5 out of 5 stars.
Be sure to check out Dolphin Tale 2 which will be in theaters nationwide on September 12. Reviewed by Katherine Starr, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9.
Reviewed by Samantha A, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11Dolphin Tail 2 is a movie based on a true story that teaches you about friendship, to never give up and always have hope – literally. In this sequel to the first movie, Dolphin Tale, the Clearwater Rescue Team bands together because of a tragedy that involved the death of Winter’s best friend Panama, which leaves Winter without the only pool mate she has ever known. Winter goes in deep depression and the clock is ticking. They need to pair Winter with another dolphin fast.
Dolphin Tale 2 is one of those movies that might not catch your eye because it doesn’t appeal to you, or it just doesn’t look like much but trust me, I thought the same thing and this movie changed my mind fast. It’s one of my favorite movies now because it’s so much more than just an average movie about a dolphin that needs help. It’s also an educational, feel-good movie. And, it has messages about companionship and love, about never giving up and about exploring new possibilities. This movie is not only fantastic, it is also hilarious, mostly because of a crazy pelican that flies in and out of the aquarium and does unpredictable and wild things. For example, it steals food from unsuspecting visitors and stands guard over a wounded turtle that was found in wrapped in fishing line.
I was really excited to see Dolphin Tale 2 because the first one was so good. It is really fun seeing what happened to Winter and everybody at Clearwater Aquarium. This movie isn’t just heartwarming and fun, it is also such an emotional roller coaster when something unexpected happens (which is often). My eyes were glued to the screen. I learned that dolphins have feelings to and, as Sawyer says “That’s not a bad thing”.
Dolphin Tale 2 is a phenomenal film. I would give it 4 out of 5 golden stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18 because some scenes are a little mature and might be scary for any kids under 7.
