A Dolphin Tale 2: Movie Review

2011’s “A Dolphin Tale” was a mildly entertaining and inspiration family film which was based on the true story of a dolphin learning to adjust to her prosthetic tail. It was also about the people who saved her. I can’t think of a whole lot of sequels to true stories. Then again, real life continues on after a happy ending, so now we get to go through some more troubles before we get to our second happy ending for Winter the dolphin.

Charles Martin Smith returns as writer, director, and supporting actor, along with the original cast that includes Nathan Gamble, Cozi Zuehldorff, Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson, and Harry Connick Jr. Just like with the first film, the sequel feels like nothing more than made-for-TV fare, but where “A Dolphin Tale” was at least entertaining, the follow up feels more like a studio product than a true story. To make matters worse, the whole thing feels flat and lacks the heart of the original.

In “A Dolphin Tale 2”, Winter has become stressed and lonely when an older dolphin she was paired with dies. Because of this the aquarium is at risk of losing their much loved dolphin. The only thing that can save the day is if another female dolphin arrives that Winter can be paired with. Sawyer (Gamble) and Hazel (Zuehlsdorff) are completely torn up about this turn of events, but Sawyer has other things on his mind as well. He has been offered a great opportunity at the Boston University that can change his life.

We all know that things are going to work out in the end for Winter (at least in this film) and the people surrounding her. Those who loved the first film will find plenty to like with the sequel, but I wish “A Dolphin Tale 2” was at least a little better than harmless entertainment.

By: Marc Ferman