Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Family custody story with dolphin hero falls flat.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dolphin Island
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 , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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