Any time a film uses a past studio credit to promote itself, you know that you entering into unsure waters. Thankfully, when it comes to Warner Bros. and their family flick Dolphin Tale, the waters are calm and peaceful.
Bearing an impressive cast that includes the likes of Harry Connick, Jr., Ashley Judd and Kris Kristofferson, Charles Martin Smith's underdog adventure is a true to form winner.
Telling the true story of how a young boy found and untangled a young dolphin who had gotten caught up in a crab trap and washed ashore, Dolphin Tale is a unique journey that you simply have to see to believe. The power of its central message is sure to move you as you witness a spectacular course of action that transforms the life of one lonely, lost boy and the world that encompasses him.
Nathan Gamble does a solid job alongside many of Hollywood's elite as our leading man, interacting with the real life 'Winter' with pure grace and ease. He effectively pulls at your heartstrings as he pushes and tugs for Winter's safety, working out a deal to help his new friend acquire an artificial tale to assist him in swimming.
I did find myself a bit frustrated with the incorporated war-themed side plot; however, by film's end the irony made the scenes imperative to the overall effect of the story. While the film is filled with the typical cliche moments and cheesy middle section, as a whole it is a fun-filled family adventure that shows just how far one can go when they believe in themselves.
