Dolphin Tale 3D
Winter the bottlenose dolphin steals the spotlight away from Hollywood leading men Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr and Kris Kristofferson in this heart-warming true story of triumph against adversity.
Found fighting for her life after being caught in the ropes of a crab trap in Florida, the young dolphin - who plays herself in this heart-warming film - was discovered by young boy Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble), who soon calls for medical services.
Winter is rescued and taken to Clearwater Marine Hospital, which is run by dedicated marine biologist Clay Haskett (Connick Jr) and his wise-speaking father, Reed (Kristofferson).
Such is the severity of the mammal's injuries, the decision is taken to amputate her tail and significantly increase her odds of survival.
'How's she going to live if she can't swim?' says Sawyer.
'You can't give up on her,' replies Reed mystically.
Furthermore, the Hasketts' practice is financially stretched and board members are deciding whether to cut funding to the centre given that the latest patient, Winter, is placing a huge burden on resources for her medicine and care.
'No dolphin has ever been known to lose its entire tail, and survive,' coldly observes the head of the board.
Parallelling Winter's tale is the deeply human story of Sawyer's cousin, Kyle (Austin Stowell).
Once a champion swimmer and now enlisted in the Army, his dream to compete in the Olympics is shattered to smithereens after an explosion affects his right leg.
When Sawyer meets prosthetics expert Dr Cameron McCarthy (Morgan Freeman), who attempts to help Kyle through his injuries, the youngster wonders if the medic could also fashion a prosthetic tail for Winter.
'Trying to put a tail on a fish? Nobody in his right mind would even try it.
Luckily, I'm not - in my right mind,' quips Dr McCarthy saltily.
Even when the tail has been produced, Winter has to adjust and adapt to her new appendage.
Thankfully, Winter is buoyed by Sawyer's unwavering devotion, Clay's determination and persistence and Dr McCarthy's boundless patience.
Dolphin Tale is a rousing adventure for the entire family.
Winter's inspirational fight for survival has transformed her into a symbol of courage and hope for many facing their own physical challenges.
She has become a celebrity in Clearwater, with people travelling far and wide across America to meet her.
The closing credits featuring real video footage are sure to melt even the most cold-hearted cinemagoer.
Director Charles Martin Smith occasionally drizzles the syrupy sentiment and schmaltz, but laces his sugary pill with pure joy.
Release Date: Friday 14 October 2011
Certificate: U
Runtime: 112mins
