Monday, August 22, 2011

Dolphin Tale - A Must See Family Movie - Finally!

I don't know about you, but I get awfully tired of hearing about the next new "family movie" only to find it full of potty talk, kids slamming all the adults, and rebellion out the wazoo! It is so rare that I can actually show my kids a new release at the theater without previewing it first, well, forget rare - it NEVER happens!

I recently heard about a new movie called Dolphin Tale, put out by Warner Brothers. I saw the trailer for Dolphin Tale while watching Winnie the Pooh with my kids. The story line immediately caught my attention, as it did all of my kids. I was further intrigued to read about the movie on the Homeschool Movie Club site (http://homeschoolmovieclub.wordpress.com/2011/07/25/homeschool-day-at-the-movies/ ) in a review by Nathan Clarkson - this was the quote at the bottom of the short promo: "*also, you may be happy to know that there is no foul language, actors wear wetsuits and rash guards, and there are no romantic plots (no funny business :) and we have seen an early screening and would be happy to answer ANY question you may have about the movie". I was hooked! How often can you read a review about a family movie and get that kind of an endorsement?!

Last week, I saw a post on Facebook from Sally Clarkson, letting us know that "they" were looking for people who blog and are leaders to come and pre-screen Dolphin Tale. You can be sure that I dropped everything to get that email sent off, and sure enough, I was lucky enough to receive a coveted seat at the screening yesterday.

I cannot say enough positive things about this movie. First of all, it is in 'Real 3D"...fun for me for two reasons: 1) I have not seen a 3D movie yet and 2) I just came back from snorkeling in Belize and the underwater scenes in 3D....wow! It was almost like being back in the water...almost!

I am not an expert on the social life of dolphins by any stretch of the imagination, so seeing "Winter" getting into all sorts of mischief before her accident may be totally inaccurate, but for me, it gave me a glimpse into the playful nature of this dolphin (Winter actually plays herself!).

I was also touched by the relationships of the people portrayed in the movie. Sawyer is obviously a child with a heavy load on his shoulders...and his relationship with his mom is so real! I could see myself saying some of the same things to my kids that she said to Sawyer on the way to the Marine Aquarium! And 'Hazel', I want her to be friends with Liyah! What an engaging child, full of spunk and life.

I also loved the "family forever" theme that ran throughout the movie. You saw it with Sawyer and his cousin Kyle as Kyle went out of his way to make sure his cousin knew that he was coming back and with how Sawyer went to see his cousin after the accident when his calls were not returned. Also with Lorraine (Sawyer's mom) and her sister, who lived across the street from each other and were always there to support one another when times were tough. You also saw it in Dr. Clay's family, in his daughter and his father. All of the people really cared about each other and even when things were tough, they stuck together and got through it, a good example to set in the world we live in where it is very common for people to run away from dealing with the hard things in life.

If I say anymore you won't need to see the movie...so I am just going to say - GO SEE IT!! It receives my highest movie rating of "I would pay full price to see it AGAIN at the theater" and this time I will be taking all the kids with me! I really think we need to let the movie industry know that we want more movies like this one!!

So, go see it and come back here and let me know what you think!



7 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great post! It echoes my feelings exactly...

Veronica @ Luv My Quiver Full Of Arrows said...

We also saw the screening yesterday and I agree with Syd, you captured my thoughts exactly. I especially loved Hazel. She was such a sweet and great portrayal of a homeschooled child, per my experience.

Thanks for your well written post.

Cozi Zuehlsdorff said...

Thanks for such a supportive review! You are helping to get the word out about how this is a movie families will love to go see together. Your comments mean the world.

Sincerely,
Cozi Zuehlsdorff (Hazel Haskett)

P.S. Please say hello to Liyah for me!

Nathan Clarkson said...

Hi Living the Dream,


Thank you so much for your support. It's so neat to see people rallying behind a project like DOLPHIN TALE with great family values and morals.

I want to let you and your readers know that there is a round of FREE screenings for Homeschoolers who would like to attend an early screening of the movie.  We want our community to get excited about “Homeschool Day” on September 23, so we want as many folks as possible to attend the advance screening of Dolphin Tale and spread the word about this inspiring true story.

Click on the link below to RSVP to a city where the movie will be screened on 9/10:
http://screenings.homeschoolmovieclub.com/dolphinTale

Thanks again for your support.  It's because of you that we Homeschoolers will soon have a voice in Hollywood!

Best wishes,

Nathan J. Clarkson

Homeschool Movie Club

trinabambina said...

Thanks Nathan! I will share that link with everyone. Can't wait for opening day!!

challmeyeralways said...

Wow! I am thoroughly impressed with your review! I have been looking everywhere for more info on the movie... trying to decide if I want to take all 6 of my kids, to a full price movie, that I have not seen, on the first day it opens... just to support a good cause. Your review may have closed the deal!
I am excited about wetsuits, family theme, respectful youth, and how can you go wrong with dolphins?? Not to mention all of the real life that it is based on. Thank you so much for taking the time to write a thorough review. You have won over the purchase of at least seven tickets supporting the homeschool day at the movies, and I will be doing what I can to drum up business on my end too :-)

trinabambina said...

I am so glad the review helped you! I know how hard it is to spend that much cash on a movie you have not seen...only to find your self frantically covering your children's eyes and ears...or trying to get them all out of the theater - fast!!! I do so hope you and your children like the movie! I know my three are so excited to get to see it!! If you have a minute, post Nathan's link (above your post) and invite people to a free screening...let's get the word out!!