Dolphin Tale 2 (2014)
Certified: 107 minutes
Directed by: Charles Martin Smith
Starring: Harry Connick, Jr, Ashley Judd, Nathan Gamble, Kris Kristofferson, Morgan Freeman, Julia Jordan, Austin Stowell, Cozi Zuehlsdorff
KRS Releasing Ltd

Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble) had been instrumental in the saving of an injured dolphin called Winter some years ago. The dolphin was then placed in the marine centre managed by Dr Clay Haskett (Harry Connick Jr).

Now Sawyer, who has become a teen, has been offered a scholarship which would take him to the sea for three months. Everyone thinks he should accept, including his single mum Lorraine (Ashley Judd), Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff), Clay’s teenage daughter who works at the centre, Reed (Kris Kristofferson) who is Clay’s father, and even Kyle (Austin Stowell), Sawyer’s older cousin, a veteran of war.

Sawyer however is worried about Winter who is going through a very bad phase. Her companion has died of old age and she is depressed. In addition, she is not making use of the prosthetic tail that had been devised for her by Dr Cameron McCarthy (Morgan Freeman). Philip Hordern (Tom Nowicki), who has invested a lot into the aquarium, believes that if something happens to Winter, the marine centre’s most popular attration, it will have to close down .

Trouble ensues when an inspector visits and finds that the centre is in breach of regulations as it should not keep a dolphin living alone, without a partner or companion. The fact that Winter is not wearing her tail is worsening her condition, which is also not good. The only solution is to bring in another dolphin, but this could either work or make things worse.

2011’s Dolphin Tale was a heart-warming family drama and a box office success. In its essence, Dolphin Tale 2 moves in the same steps of the first movie but takes a different angle to the story. Like its predecessor, it is based on real events and it’s a testament to those who do their utmost to help preserve marine animals.

The film keeps a good balance between drama and its coming-of-age story and injects a few hearty laughs. These mostly come from Rufus, a pelican who is a veritable showman and dominates the screen with his presence.

This sequel is ideal for families as it has good storyline, emotional overtones without being too sweet and a lesson or two about marine creatures and the valid work of marine centres.

The underwater cinematography is superlative. Under Charles Martin Smith’s direction, the film is colourful and has a rich, bright collection of colours that make it attractive viewing.

Freeman as usual brings dignity to the film while Connick Jr wears his heart on his sleeve with a very down-to-earth performance. Having said this, the film’s true stars are the marine mammals.