Movie Review - Dolphin Tale

Dolphin Tale is the story of a young, shy, unmotivated boy named Sawyer who discovers a stranded bottlenose dolphin on the beach in Clearwater, Florida. The floundering creature is hopelessly tangled in the ropes of a crab trap. Emergency beach rescuers arrive and carefully take the dolphin to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for care.

Sawyer sneaks away from summer school to visit the dolphin as he is rehabilitated. He meets Dr. Clay Haskett (Harry Connick Jr.) and his daughter, Hazel, and all the other members of the aquarium team. Coming out of his shell, Sawyer befriends many who care for the dolphin they name Winter.

After losing his tail, Winter adapts by moving his body from side-to-side to maneuver in the pool. While this does help him move around, the unnatural movement begins to damage his spine and could lead to death.

Inspired by his cousin Kyle's experience at a VA hospital, Sawyer enlists the help of Dr. Cameron McCarthy (Morgan Freeman) to make a prosthetic tail for Winter. Sawyer's mom (Ashley Judd) eventually jumps in to help, as well.

Among several events that unfold with all the characters, the aquarium is set to close. Sawyer's quest to keep it open and Winter's dramatic comeback give a fun and heartwarming ending for the movie.

Dolphin Tale is a great, family-friendly movie for all ages, particularly those who love dolphins. The characters and events are believable and likeable. Harry Connick Jr. was wonderful in his role. I highly recommend it for everyone.