The notion that "behind every setback in life lies a potential rainbow" is laid on a bit thick in "Dolphin Tale," an appealing family film that doesn't know when to quit inspiring. In telling the true story of a dolphin whose damaged tail is eventually replaced by a prosthetic one, the actual dolphin it happened to plays herself. Not a scene goes by that hasn't been precision engineered for its full inspirational, heart-warming value. The film focuses on positive, well-purposed people doing what is right and helping others.
Like many of the best animal films, this one is not so much about the animal that is in question, but is about the kids who love the dolphin. "Dolphin Tale" comes up aces in this department with Sawyer, a good-looking, freckled 11-year-old who's been sitting at home since his father took off. His mother Lorraine couldn't be nicer, but Sawyer is failing in school, doesn't have any friends and spends every second he can toying with stuff in his dad's abandoned workshop.
But his life changes when he discovers a dolphin near his Clearwater, Florida, home. Experts from the local marine hospital untangle it from a web of ropes before taking it to the facility for treatment, but its tail has been damaged by a large crab trap. Sneaking into the inviting clinic/aquarium, Sawyer becomes obsessed by the fate of the dolphin, named Winter, which seems to respond especially well to the boy's attention.
Sawyer is quickly loved by the hospital's staff, led by Dr. Clay Haskett whose daughter, Hazel, is not only Sawyer's age, but doesn't have a mom. They have a connection from the start. Also on board is Clay's dad. Aside from some overdone comic relief involving a cackling pelican, this early stretch is the best in the film as it sensitively depicts a withdrawn boy's emergence from his shell; Sawyer awakens to life, his own potential and another being's survival. It's a process Gamble's talents make palpable and intermittently touching.
After Winter is left with a stumpy rear after her tail is amputated, the doctor insists she needs a prosthetic addition to facilitate a dolphin's normal up-and-down propulsion movement. A genial, can't-say-no doctor at the nearby V.A. hospital obligingly signs on to design one, but Winter rejects the initial prototype. Then there's a hurricane, the destruction from which puts the hospital in such debt it'll have to be sold. And there's a subplot about Sawyer's cousin, Kyle, a local swimming champ who no sooner joins the army than he comes back with an injury that makes it hard for him to walk. The dolphin, with her own disability, inspires him to shape up.
When it looks as though the Clearwater Marine Hospital is fated for failure, the concerns are able to generate TV coverage and stage a huge aquatic benefit to try to save the day, arranged by Hazel and Sawyer. Kyle gets back in the water competitively. A billionaire real estate developer turns out to have a soul and keep the aquarium open. Winter gets a new tail supported by a newly invented sleeve that, as illustrated in extensive climactic video footage, has evidently gone on to greatly benefit the handicapped and injured.
I absolutely loved this movie and I recommend it anybody who is or was thinking about going to see it. It is a tear jerker, so be careful because you will cry. It is the most touching movie that I've seen in a very long time. Dolphin Tale is wonderful, and if you want to know what's going on with Winter now, you can see her at www.seewinter.com
