Common Sense Media Review
By Yvonne Condes
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fans of the original will love this wholesome sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
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Dolphin Tale 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the sequel is heartwarming and suitable for all ages, but it suffers from poor acting, repetitive storytelling, and a lack of excitement compared to the original. While many appreciate its emotional depth and appeal to animal lovers, some found it boring and too sad for younger viewers, questioning its overall quality.
- heartwarming
- poor acting
- repetitive
- suitable for all
- emotional depth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Following the events depicted in Dolphin Tale, DOLPHIN TALE 2 continues the story of Winter, a rescued dolphin with a prosthetic tale. Winter is devastated by the loss of her surrogate mother, leaving the staff at Clearwater Marine Hospital -- headed by Dr. Clay Haskett (Harry Connick Jr) -- in a race against time (and against an evil USDA employee) to find her a companion. Meanwhile, Sawyer (Nathan Gamble), the boy who originally found Winter and nursed her to health, must decide whether to accept a once-in-lifetime opportunity or stay in Florida to help Winter.
Is It Any Good?
The plot of Dolphin Tale 2 isn't much of a stretch beyond the original. This time, instead of trying to get Winter a prosthetic fin, the incredibly nice staff of the Clearwater Marine Hospital are trying to find her a companion. Everyone is as sweet and earnest as in the original, with just one goal in mind: to help the marine animals.
Fans of the first movie will enjoy watching Sawyer become an opinionated teen alongside friend/love interest Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff). Connick Jr. is back as Hazel's dad, along with Ashley Judd as Sawyer's mom, who has very little to do other than look concerned. There are some daring rescues (and a release back into the wild) that will keep parents interested. And for kids, there's a bit of teen angst thrown in -- Sawyer is now in high school, and when he's offered the chance to spend a semester at sea doing marine research, he has to decide whether or not to take it because Winter, his dolphin buddy, isn't well. While the story isn't quite as good as the original, it's still an upbeat, inspirational family movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Dolphin Tale 2's messages. How do they compare to the original? Is Winter's story as compelling as it was in the first film?
Sawyer is offered an amazing opportunity but is hesitant to leave Winter when she needs him most. What would you do in that situation?
What did you think of the scene in which Bethany Hamilton, the pro surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack, swims with Winter, the dolphin who lost her tale and swims with a prosthetic? Were you inspired by them?
Dr. Haskett had a terrible decision to make: set a rehabilitated dolphin free, or keep it so Winter could stay at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Do you think he made the right decision?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 12, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : December 9, 2014
- Cast : Morgan Freeman , Ashley Judd , Harry Connick Jr. , Nathan Gamble
- Director : Charles Martin Smith
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship , Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals )
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some mild thematic elements
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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