Review: 'Dolphin Tale' Is Definitely 'See' Worthy

By Michael Lopez

A generation ago, Warner Brothers produced a major success with the feel-good flick Free Willy. And now 18 years later, they're at it again with another heartwarming "boy and his fish story", aptly named Dolphin Tale. And though it's got plenty of corny dialogue and over-the-top child actors, it's hard to hate this movie and its message.

Dolphin Tale may actually have the edge over Willy, particularly because it's based on a true story. And not only that, the message it delivers is an important one and rather timely with the current state of world affairs. You see, this Tale has a special connection to Iraq war veterans and amputees.

The movie focuses on the plight of Winter, a female bottlenose dolphin who nearly died after getting entangled in a crab trap. Thankfully, a local boy named Sawyer (played by Nathan Gamble) discovers her on the shore and gets a local marine team to nurse her back to health. Though she lives through the ordeal, the trap's damage to her tail requires a swift amputation.

And that's where things get interesting. In order for Winter to survive, she will need a new faux fin. Enter Dr. McCarthy (played by Morgan Freeman), a skilled engineer who has built a career developing prosthetic limbs for soldiers injured in the battlefield. After encountering Sawyer and his adorable aquatic mammal, the good Dr. decides to try the impossible – creating an artificial dolphin tail.

But before you can "happy ending," there are plenty of obstacles that get in Winter's way. For one thing, she needs to accept the tail (which won't necessarily be easy). And beyond that, the facility she's being housed in is on the brink of bankruptcy and there's a tropical storm on the horizon!

Oh yeah, Dolphin Tale makes sure to use plenty of movie clichés to get its point across. But it has a lot of very poignant moments too (particularly involving disabled kids looking to Winter for inspiration). And did we mention it’s in 3D? Wrap it all together and you've got a slightly choppy movie that, in the end, may actually steal your heart.

Bottom line: Dolphin Tale would make a great family night DVD. Is it worth the $10 movie tickets for all the little ones in your family? Maybe not so much. Though there are some great 3D effects, they don't necessarily sell the movie. What does, is the dynamic presence of Winter (who steals every scene she's in). So we say see it, but on your own time and at your own convenience.

Do you like “feel-good” movies? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Dolphin Tale, Free Willy, Morgan Freeman, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Nathan Gamble, Winter