Dolphin Island
Family custody story with dolphin hero falls flat.
Dolphin Island
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Dolphin Island is a family-friendly movie about 14-year-old Annabel, who lives with her grandfather on a fishing boat in the Bahamas. A custody battle over Annabel is a central theme. A scene shows the villain getting punched once, and there's some suspense and sadness when a character is in a boat that's on fire and disappears under water after the boat explodes. Everything has a safe resolution. Two adults kiss once on a date, and two teens have some mild romantic dynamics. A background character is frequently seen drinking beer, and one scene shows wine glasses on a table.
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Great Movie
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What's the Story?
Fourteen-year-old Annabel (Tyler Jade Nixon) has grown up on DOLPHIN ISLAND with her grandfather Jonah (Peter Woodward) ever since her parents died in a diving accident 10 years ago. The two live very simply but happily on Jonah's fishing boat and continue to run the marine research facility that Annabel's parents built. One day, Annabel's grandparents on her mother's side decide that she would be better off living a privileged life of luxury with them in Manhattan. Will power and money triumph over love and community?
Is It Any Good?
This is a wholesome movie that has its heart in the right place as far as creating something the whole family can watch together goes, but the predictable plot and ho-hum acting make it a bit dull. The actors pretty much all come across as playing types of characters instead of really letting us get to know them. There's very little content of concern, and kids will no doubt enjoy watching the trained dolphin perform tricks, but there's not all that much of it, and in between they may have trouble following the plot. And there certainly are no surprises to the plot of a pretty standard, feel-good family movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about role models in Dolphin Island. Is Annabel a good role model? Do you like her? What are her character strengths and weaknesses?
Why is diversity important in movies, TV, games, and other media? How do you feel when you see someone who looks like you? What can you learn about people who are different?
Movies and books about sea animals are always popular. What are some of your favorites? How does this one compare?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: March 2, 2021
- Cast: Peter Woodward, Dionne Lea, Tyler Jade Nixon
- Director: Mike Disa
- Studio: Entertainment Squad
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Friendship, Ocean Creatures
- Run time: 91 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 15, 2023
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