User reviews

Just saw this with my movie theatre-working friend. We both enjoyed this true-life sequel about Winter's acting strangely especially after the death of a fellow dolphin early in the film. Since Hazel and Sawyer are a little older and practically young adults, there's a hint of a budding romance between them though the main focus is on Winter and another possible new playmate named Hope. All the cast from the previous one is back and Morgan Freeman's character is allowed to say some witty lines that my friend found funny while I was a little amused at them. Actor Charles Martin Smith is the writer/director and he appears as the guy telling the Harry Connick Jr. character he has 30 days to fix whatever violations he cited. In summary, Dolphin Tale 2 was pretty enjoyable for a true-life sequel.

Enjoyable sequel that finds Winter the dolphin struggling with the death of her friend Panama. Meanwhile, Sawyer (Nathan Gamble) gets an offer to attend a special marine research program for three months but isn't sure he is ready to go. Like the first movie it's based on real events and the dolphins Winter and Hope appear here as themselves. The cast from the last one also returns, with reduced roles for Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Kris Kristofferson. But that's okay because the two kids (now young teens) and the dolphins are the stars. There's a budding romantic subplot with Sawyer and Hazel that is six kinds of cute. Also fun is the comic relief pelican that has a subplot involving a turtle. It's a nice, positive family movie with a likable cast and good message.

The Dolphin, a creature that is so full of life and spunk that television cannot help, but make countless forms of entertainment about them. In 2011, one of those stories touched the hearts of millions in the form of Winter, the dolphin with a prosthetic tail. Such a story was inspirational, but mainly a cute animal movie that kids and animal enthusiasts loved. So what else could Hollywood do, but take the momentum and make another movie about the same dolphin. That's right, this review is based on the latest story inspired by true events, Dolphin Tale 2. What wonders are in store for this movie? As always, continue on to find out.

Like any kids' movie, Dolphin Tale start out fun and exciting to get the audience involved with the tale. Yet, like it's predecessor, things take a turn for the worst to establish a point for the near two hours you are about to invest. Dolphin Tale 2 covers the emotional spectrum a little more completely than it's predecessor, and tends to focus on the sadder aspects of life. I warn parents now that this movie has a few themes that might be a little too much younger age groups. The movie is quite depressing at points, with the characters a little more negative than I had expected.. Why such a depressing tale? It is to go with the theme of hope that things will work out with the perseverance and faith the characters have. The directors have decided to teach us valuable life lessons again; all in hopes of inspiring you to push past the dismay life may throw out at you. Despite all the depressing challenges though, parents can reassure themselves and their kids that everything will be better and the inevitable outcome the movie has.

With the ending so predictable, and a lot of depressing scenes in the movie, you may be asking if there is anything worthy about this movie. Truth is that amidst the chaotic, life lesson teaching moments, there are some comedic relief moments that will brighten up the movie. The pelican Rufus has a few funny moments, though has taken a back seat to the human characters in the film. Mavis the turtle, a new addition to the group, has a couple of cute scenes as well, though it's nothing that will have you rolling on the floor in tears. It's really Morgan Freeman who had me laughing the most, delivering his dialogue with that matter of fact approach that brought out the most humor. Like something out of Grumpy old men, Freeman's lines seem part complaining and party insulting, but are actually laced with sarcasm that further brings out the humor, and in truth was the best actor of the bunch for me.

The rest of the human cast did decent job acting, with Nathan Gamble having the most screen time of the bunch. Gamble's portrayal of Sawyer is balanced, but needs some fine- tuning at points where he seems almost bored of acting. Some of his emotionally heavy scenes lack the drive I wanted to see, and sometimes came out more whiney than sad. Harry Connick Jr. reprises his role as the doctor, and I think handled the maturing role well of his character balancing science with parenting. Connick didn't overact too much during the part, though seeing the movie magic, serious; army drill sergeant command was hard not to laugh at points. The lovely Ashley Judd brings her talents back to the screen again, somehow playing the balanced roles as she always does. I loved her smile, her energy, and her logical sense in the film where everything felt so natural as you watched perform. Then there was Cozi Zuehlsdorff reprising her role as Hazel. In this movie Hazel was rather annoying for me, her character a little too needy, overbearing, and at times weak that had me rolling my eyes. I don't know if it was the direction or the acting, but her lines came out a hybrid of what seemed happy and desperate. Then we she tried to take a serious, more mature role, she came out more like a stuck up brat. Hazel's character overall just didn't do it for me, but did help drive the story at parts and provide a little zest to the rest of the cast.

However, the cast members most of you are probably interested in are the dolphins Winter and Hope. Well Winter, like Sawyer, gets massive amounts of screen time, though in this installment her energy is a lot lower. Fans will get a number of scenes of the dolphin sulking under the board, with close ups of her eyes and missing tail. She is still just as cute as you remember her, but she lacks that playful edge many of us enjoyed. As for Hope, the cute little dolphin has the energy Winter is missing and her small size magnifies the joy she brings. However, she is only present near the last thirty minutes of the movie, and doesn't have as much involvement with the cast as you might "hope" for. Her part felt rushed to me, and the big challenge they had to face was solved in a matter of minutes. The accomplishment surely makes her involvement in the movie worth it, but I was expecting more with the build-up from the trailers.

Overall Dolphin Tale 2 is a cute movie and does give off good vibes as the ending draws near. However, there are plenty of kid's movies on the market to fill your time until it comes to home release. My recommendation is to skip this film for now and wait on the next Disney movie that might have a more engaging tale:

My scores are:

Drama Family: 7.5 Movie Overall: 6.0

Unlike the review below, I actually seen the movie, the movies is full of some amazing, but long underwater scenes, and some suspenseful moments. The movie does promote they true meaning of rescue rehabilitate and release, especially when morals con into play, when it comes to Winter's fate and a Dolphin Named Mandy. Many times throughout the movies it is said that these animals are "Wild animals" as well as when Asked if it was possible would Clay release winter. his response is one he puts into perspective from when he started the hospital. Just like in dolphins tale, before the credits role and after the ending, they show the actual stories of Mandy's release and Hope's rescue.

It does not promote captivity, but it does bring a reality of what happens when a companion animal is needed for an unreleasable one, either they're paired up or moved to a park which can provide one. Unlike the previous reviewer, I believe ALL SHOULD FORM THEIR OWN OPINIONS. You should go to the movie if you like and bring your kids I'm sure they would love to see the movie as well. MAKE YOUR OWN OPINIONS Don't GIVE INTO THOSE WHO ARE SADLY MISINFORMED.

Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble) is now famous as a part of the team at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium after the rescue of Winter. Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff) is back along with her dad Dr. Clay Haskett (Harry Connick Jr.) who runs the hospital. Prof Miguel Arroyo (Carlos Gómez) invites Sawyer to 12 weeks on a sailing ship for a special guest student program. Winter is depressed after her surrogate mother dolphin Panama passes away. USDA regulations forbids keeping a dolphin alone. They have rescued a new dolphin named Mandy but Clay is reluctant to pair them together. Inspector George Hughes (Charles Martin Smith) gives him 30 days.

I liked the charm of the first movie and I like that most of the actors return for this one. Although most of the adults with the exception of Harry Connick Jr. are push to the side. The two kids get most of the work. It is very sincere. Rufus the pelican continues to provide a bit of light comedy but this is mostly a downer. They suffer an lost early on and it wallows in it for most of the movie. I'm reluctant to give too many negatives because everybody seems so nice. It's definitely not as compelling as the original but it's nice to see everybody again.

"You can't just throw two dolphins in the water together."

And that's basically the only conflict driving the plot for this sequel. I was a huge fan of Charles Martin Smith's first film starring Winter, the dolphin with the prosthetic tail, but there isn't anything appealing about this sequel which barely has a plot. I felt that there was never really much at stake here and many of the emotional moments felt forced, unlike in the first film where there was a lot at stake. There were a lot of fillings and subplots that never did anything to help build the pacing, and despite remaining family friendly, most children will probably be bored by this sequel. I never got engaged with it and perhaps much of that had to do with the weak script and the lack of conflict. The characters which I really liked the first time around didn't do anything for me in this sequel and I didn't feel that same connection they had with Winter this time around. Dolphin Tale 2 has all the right ingredients for a direct to DVD movie, but somehow it has been released in the big screen and received some positive reviews from the critics (only 4% lower than Interstellar according to Rottentomatoes). It astonishes me considering this film is formulaic and predictable with very little going for it. A week from now everyone will forget about it.

The true star of the franchise is Winter, but in this sequel we really don't get to see the dolphin all that much. There really isn't much at stake either, and we know how everything is going to play out. The cast is back again, which means we get some cameos from Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Kris Kristofferson, but they aren't given any substantial role this time around. The film centers once again on the child actors, Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff, who deliver solid performances but don't add much to the story. From the first scene you can tell that the producers were simply trying to cash in after the success of the first film because there is not much going for it story wise. The true story is inspirational and the original film has touched many people's lives, but there wasn't any need for a sequel.

This is a great family movie. Written based on the real story is reflects on the true motto of Clearwater Marine Aquarium: "rescue, rehabilitate & release" The movie does not promote cruelty or keeping animals in captivity. If the dolphin or the turtle health bill is good and the animal is able to survive on its own then the crew release it back into the ocean. Harry Connick Jr. plays Dr Clay Haskett, and when asked if it was possible for Winter to survive on her own would he let her go. His answer: right this minute! As it is the animals that stay in the aquarium are either too seriously injured or with other medical reasons (dolphin Panama, that was keeping Winter company, was deaf and not able to echo-locate food and feed herself) The acting is good, story line simple enough for kids to follow and some moments you find yourself holding breath waiting for what is next. And after watching the movie you may want to visit real stars Winter & Hope in Clearwater, FL.

Life is all about choices. Who among us has not yet seen himself torn between an opportunity, new, dangerous and challenging, and the security of our common, every day and common life? In "Dolphin Tale 2", Sawyer Nelson needs to decide between continuing his little life working at Clearwater Marine Hospital with his family or leaving everything behind to join a prestigious quarterly course, which will add value to his school curriculum. In the case of Nelson, played by Nathan Gamble ("The Dark Knight", "The Mist" and "Marley & Me"), the choice seems easy. As a teenager dedicated to studying marine animals, joining a temporary course in the open sea, where I would have contact with other marine species and the experience of having contact with other young people who have the same interest, would be more than convenient. However, the invitation to the course came at one of the most delicate moments in the boy's life. One of his best friends, the dolphin Winter, is going through a difficult time after the death of her pool partner. Grief has made Winter, once a happy and sassy creature, a sad animal, and why not say, introspective.

This time, we follow Winter, depressed after the loss of her tail and her companion. With that in mind, their caretakers at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium must take every precaution to find a way for the animal not to suffer. At the same time, Mandy, another dolphin, appears as a hope for the girl Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff), Winter's faithful squire. After all, must another animal be kept in captivity to save another's life? Perhaps this is the film's best worked ethical and moral dilemma, something that is not handled as naively as it could be.

Of course, the 107 minutes of history can become tiring for anyone looking for a more realistic film filled with personal dilemmas. However, here the focus is different. The cast is on the scene to support the script, not asking for anything extraordinary from each one. In this Morgan Freeman serves only as comic relief and nothing more, like calling the dolphin a fish. What matters is knowing how the protagonist who gives the title to the film will survive. And an interesting and intelligent point of the script is not to create any human "villains" from large corporations to continue the story, as well as in the first film. Winter's situation itself (based on a true story) is dramatic enough not to need obvious subterfuges and clichés.

One of the problems of the film is the artificiality of some of the challenges that arise. While it's understandable that Sawyer doesn't want to risk losing what she already has, and even a growing crush on her friend Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff), the tension over the fate of Winter and the aquarium itself is far-fetched, even endowing a uncomfortable and unnecessary dislike Dr. Clay (Harry Connick Jr.), Hazel's father and father figure to Sawyer. Even poor Winter ends up having her moments of random aggression, all to try to create some extra conflict. Luckily, the film holds onto its central arc, about the challenges Sawyer and Winter face with the coming changes, and the subplots involving rescuing animals like Mavis the turtle show more of the day-to-day life of the aquarium and its importance to that town, making the public really care about the well-being of the place and its employees.

What pleases most in "Dolphin Tale 2" is not its screenplay (which is flawed in several moments, especially due to the lack of creativity in almost replicating the story of the first film), its incredible images of home videos with real rescues or the cast (who do an efficient but unmemorable job). The main thing is the urgency of the theme, an ode to living beings and the responsibility that humanity has towards them. It may not be unprecedented or present new cinematographic languages, but the film makes an impact and can inspire the target audience, children and teenagers, to take special care with animals and the environment.

With a cast of veterans, Harry Connick Jr. ("Will and Grace"), Ashley Judd (First Degree Crimes), Kris Kristofferson ("Blade" Trilogy) and the very special participation of Morgan Freeman, who returns in this second film. However, the young Nathan and Cozi Zuehlsdorff stand out in the cast, who plays the friend and now has a crush on Sawyer, Hazel Haskett. The chemistry between the two actors is rare considering their age. Also, both Nathan and Cozi especially have a lot of charisma. The duo worked very well on screen and such performance worked in favor of the feature. It is very gratifying to see that in a generation of expressionless actors, apathetic and incapable of conveying any emotion, there are exceptions. The scenes of Cozi taking the lead in some decisions and situations at the aquarium, learning her lessons, in addition to the scene in which she says goodbye to Sawyer who will be away for a few months, are important passages in the character's maturation, which gains importance in relation to the first.

The production has a photograph in clear and vivid colors and the portrait of the animals is, although somewhat visually idealized, relatively realistic, making it clear that, however cute they are, they must be treated with care, precisely because they are wild, lesson taught with clear didacticism, with the exception of the pelican Rufus, used as an almost surreal comic relief (a fact noticed even by the characters themselves, it should be said). The film, despite focusing on children and youth, does not resort to jokes or avoid addressing themes, and is dramatic throughout. Even when Morgan Freeman appears to be the comic relief - and his joke scenes are good - it doesn't break the sequel's serious mood.

"Dolphin Tale 2" also does not villainize any of its characters to highlight the real conflicts that gave rise to the plot, nor does it romanticize things too much (even when everything indicates that Hazel and Sawyer are on the scene just to start dating). However, this sequence suffers from repetitions. The continuation's conflicts, despite being different, are shown in a very similar way to the first feature: Clay being pressured by someone to make a difficult decision and facing the objections of his daughter Hezel and Sawyer in the face of possibilities - even the lines get to be very similar.

A hurried call, an emergency rescue, intensive care, a successful outcome accompanied by dozens of onlookers clapping their hands and taking pictures - this sequence, which retraces the rescues, is repeated several times throughout the film and ends up becoming exhausting at a certain point. Time. The ending is not surprising, but the images that are shot alongside the credits, the home videos of the rescues that inspired the film, the treatments and releases, give that pride of knowing that, regardless of being good or bad, the story is true. The way the film shows the work carried out by the Clearwater Aquarium is extremely charming, the affection and respect that humans manage to establish with animals, the rescues, the healing process of whatever the problem is, all these aspects are well reported throughout the film, leaving the spectator touched by the history of the aquarium, in addition, of course, to the fact that the plot also brings aspects of family relationships and the process of necessary choices throughout life, the film is full of messages and, despite not being a film with a lot of action, the viewer leaves the cinema with a feeling of satisfaction.

Far from being another boring movie with animals, even because they don't star in it, "Dolphin Tale 2" efficiently passes (without appeals or caricatured villains, as is the custom in works of this type) a message of respect for animals, without getting attached to a mushy and politicized speech. In the end, "Dolphin Tale 2" is a "feel good movie" for children, with animals and even a sports celebrity giving her example of overcoming difficulties (surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost an arm in an attack shark in 2003 and had its story told in the movie "Soul Surfer"). If the language of the film is simplified even by the standards of this genre, it is because its target audience is children. The result is a harmless feature film, which should please little ones who like animals and teach some lessons that, although already well known, are still valid.

Though I don't remember the first time I got a hug nor do I recall the first time I ate ice cream, I do recall the first pet I head. It was a white fluffy cat named Cepe. I had to have been three or four when that animal first sat on my lap. Coincidentally, this was about the time when my family and I moved from Long Beach, CA to Murrieta, CA. I have to stop there as just having the animal is all I remember. He ran away at some point, but the memory of the animal is still fresh along with the other pet's I've had because of the connection I've made.

A lot of people think there's a telekinetic relationship between animals and the people that they love. I'm on that same wavelength as I believe that my two dogs have an understanding of my emotions, even though they don't have those same spirits. So I can understand why animal volunteers and even scientists claim that they have something with animals that people don't understand. It's something about our connection to other species that we as mankind can apply to our prejudices. This connection is examined with sea life in Dolphin Tale 2.

The original movie was about the tail-less dolphin named Winter who was rescued and given a prosthetic fin that gave back it's ability to swim.

Now the boy that rescued her, Sawyer (played by Nathan Gamble) is now in high school and is studying to be a marine biologist while continuing to volunteer at the marine hospital that's become a successful aquarium. Dr. Clay Haskett (played by Harry Connick, Jr.), his daughter Hazel (played by Cozi Zuehlsdorff) and the rest of the staff have been juggling around keeping a clean attraction while caring for the sea turtles, fish, and it's star, Winter.

Sawyer is offered a scholarship for a semester at sea program that could be great for him, but he's contemplating whether he can spend months away from the dolphin he loves. At the same time, another dolphin named Panama has passed away. This causes Winter to seemed distressed and even puts Sawyer in danger. Sawyer and Hazel are looking at a new dolphin named Mandy to be paired with Winter, but that fails when the animal heals and needs to be released. Dr. Clay Haskett does everything he can to hold off the government from transferring Winter to another park as they try and find another dolphin to be a suitable companion.

Without sounding like a party pooper, I'll say that the first Dolphin Tale was not a good movie to begin with. I found the material schmaltzy but at least harmless enough to recommended for kids who haven't seen the "boy and his animal" story. Dolphin Tale 2 is more or less the same. It is harmless and will probably eat up marine animal lovers and families looking for something educational and/or inspirational. But for a twenty-something guy like me, it's just overbearing.

Without critiquing the subject matter, my problem with the movie is that it's too long for it's own good. The first forty five minutes are spent with Winter, until the focus is suddenly shifted on Hazel and her healing a sea turtle. Once the turtle is back in the ocean, it's like the movie realized that there's a fin-less dolphin here and goes back to that. The focus is all over the place and much of the swimming shots of the animals go on for so long, you'd think that Sea World directed this thing.

I'll give this five prosthetic fins out of ten. Dolphin Tale 2 is only for the audience of this first movie. I doubt that Game of Throne fans or Marvel Superhero geeks are gonna get anything out of this, but it's harmless enough that I still say is a passable option for families searching for something more wholesome. If your that kind of person, then take this dive with the dolphins.

Firstly, let me just say that i love most animals. So I'm always in a good mood when watching animal movies, and this one too sends me rooting for Winter until the end. In this movie, we also see a slight development in Sawyer's character, which I feel is a good life lesson for me as well. The most heart-warming part of the movie for me actually came at the end when they showed the real footage of the dolphins and the visitors. Fun movie to watch 😁

Not as engrossing as it's prequel, nevertheless, a touching flick. The practical problems faced by the dolphins due to their complex emotional nature, the coming-of-age sensitivities of Hazel and Sawyer, the sangfroid Clay, the loyal supporters, the impatient Hordern make the environment a bit serious. In my opinion, the most impressive character is Clay who acts as a dutiful caretaker and a responsible father. He takes the right decisions regarding the animals, withstands the pressure from Hordern, calmly handles the kids and persuades George for an extension of Winter's stay. Freeman as Dr. McCarthy and grandpa Reed continue to provide the morale support. McCarthy's advice to Sawyer in a subtle way is lovable. I'm glad that the movie doesn't exhibit romantic or other melodrama, the emotional display is constrained. Overall, a somberly toned but commendable movie.

Dolphin Tale 2 is a great family moving featuring lots of marine animals, dolphins, turtles, birds, etc. It's full of real life situations that challenge kids growing up and people with difficulties and physical challenges. The characters grow to realize the deeper truths about generosity and letting go. The movie is fun to watch because it includes lots of humorous scenes between the actors and the animals. I liked this movie even more than the first Dolphin Tale. It's very uplifting and I know every member of the family, young and old, will enjoy this often funny and heartwarming story, full of real life situations and great family values. Loved the song "Brave Souls" heard during the credits!

Wow, I usually enjoy movies I take my kids to go see (3 and 5 years old who are totally addicted to sea life), but this film was very hard to watch. The story structure was forgotten in a poorly written script. The actors were fine with what they were given, but they could not even reel us in. The best part was the end! Really the end when they showed the real life events. They should have made this a documentary instead! My kiddos would have loved the documentary version instead. They were completely restless(which they usually are not as we have seen free Willy, the cove, the dolphin, the story of a dreamer Daniel dolphin, Namu, Blackfish, and so many more. BTW...so was I .

Dolphin Tale 2

Now what's the point of recouping an injured dolphin if it's just going to end up in a can of tuna?

Unfortunately, the aquatic rehab centre in this drama doesn't see it that way.

When the USDA threatens to remove the tailless Winter from the Clearwater Aquarium if she isn't paired with another dolphin in 30-days, Sawyer (Nathan Gamble), Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff) and Dr. Haskett (Harry Connick, Jr.) attempt to acclimate a new dolphin into Winter's tank.

But when Winter's stump startles the newbie, the team must cast a prosthetic tail in order to retain her.

Inspired by the clinic that treated the real Winter, this sequel is essentially a retelling of the first with tacked on secondary stories involving assorted injured animals.

While Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman reprise their roles, the teens from the first are replaced with bad look-alikes.

What's more, who knew dolphins were so shallow?

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With all of the Blackfish controversy vexing Sea World and the contribution that the documentary has made to a decline in their ticket sales, it is no wonder that this film is being packages and sold up as a wholesome All- American family movie. I would bet my life on the fact that Sea World has completely funded the production and advertising of this $hit-sh0w. It is pure propaganda and should be avoided at all costs unless of course you're a soccer mom from Minnesota and you have a brain the size of a napkin ring. Then by all means: haul your "happy" family off to the local suburban cina- plex and buy $30 popcorn and sodas. But please don't forget to put a $hit- ton of Haliburton gas in your SUV's first! GO TEAM!