Review by Darrin

Flash Review: This one’s for kids 11 and under. Adults who absolutely love — and I mean LOVE — dolphins, sea turtles and precocious pelicans might also enjoy it, if they ignore the human actors.

Before I begin, I must disclose that I was a few minutes late getting into my seat for this one. But after sitting through the remainder of the film, I’m certain those missed minutes wouldn’t have changed my mind.

Warner Bros' Dolphin Tale 2 was at best mildly entertaining. Clearly geared for a young audience, it’s directed by Charles Martin Smith. He’s the guy that brought us Air Bud, and Dolphin Tale 2” is pretty much in line with that standard.

The film reunites us with the remarkably resilient dolphin, Winter, whose tail was amputated and for which a unique prosthetic was devised. We also see the return of the entire cast from the first film — even the bigger names like Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd. I guess they really like that dolphin.

Anyway, we now learn that Winter is not doing well; she needs another female dolphin to pair with. As Dr. Clay Haskett (Harry Connick Jr.), his daughter Hazel Haskett (Cozi Zuehlsdorff) and Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble) struggle to find a solution to Winter’s malaise, they must also deal with several side plots that are pretty typical of this kind of film. Dr. Haskett must deal with the demands of inspectors and investors while coping with his daughter’s impending puberty. Sawyer must decide whether or not to depart the aquarium to for a life-changing educational trip. Hazel must cope with her father, her impending puberty and the feelings she has for Sawyer. And all of this while Winter continues to decline, desperately in need of a companion of her own. Fortunately, she’s about to find her chance with a young newcomer. If only the newcomer and Winter accept one another.

The adult actors deliver decent performances, despite a weak script. The kids on the other hand, come off as pretty unlikeable, alternating between overbearing and overacting. And the special effects are abominable. I realize it’s cheaper to make CGI dolphins do what you want them to do on cue, but apparently it’s not easier to make them look like they aren’t actually CGI dolphins overlaid in the scene. No matter; the kids probably won’t care.

My favorite part of the movie, and frankly the most appealing overall, were the true-life scenes at the end of the movie. Actual footage of some of the events that the film depicts appear ahead of the closing credits, and I found myself captivated by the real-life drama. The film’s remarkably annoying website indicates executive producer David Yates (whom you may recognize as the director of the last four Harry Potter films) has written and produced a documentary covering the real-life story of Winter. I’m hoping that film conveys the story as well as the closing scenes of Dolphin Tale 2 did.

My final take (Full Price vs Matinee Only vs Wait & Rent vs Skip It) — Wait & Rent It. Unless you have very young children and need to beat the early afternoon heat, then catch a matinee. They’ll like the movie okay, and you can rest your tired eyes while you await the closing scenes.

Dolphin Tale 2 hits theaters tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 12.