Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Muddled marine sequel with scares, peril, and bullying.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sea Level 3: Dolphin Boy
What's the Story?
In SEA LEVEL 3: DOLPHIN BOY, cheerful dolphin Snowball (voiced by Kay Rommel) and a boy (voiced by Polina Workman) he rescues from the ocean go on an unexpected adventure. Raised together in the sea, they bond like brothers until an evil octopus (voiced by Stephen Peter Krisel) stirs up trouble in their underwater world. The film tracks their quest to find the boy's real mother and their battle to outsmart the villainous octopus, weaving a tale of friendship, bravery, and discovery.
Is It Any Good?
Sea Level 3: Dolphin Boy marks the third installment in the Sea Level series, and stands independently from its predecessors, but it swims in similar thematic waters. The story, while colorful and adventurous, struggles with pacing, especially when introducing darker elements like the menacing octopus villain. These shifts may confuse younger viewers and detract from the film's attempt at lighthearted fun. The animation itself, although lively, doesn't always hit the mark, with some sequences feel visually underwhelming compared to other current animated films.
Despite these drawbacks, Sea Level 3: Dolphin Boy provides enough action, a few fun songs, and mild humor to keep its audience engaged, especially kids who can navigate its complicated plot twists. The film manages to subtly promote environmental consciousness. For families seeking a straightforward and cheerful movie night, this film might seem a bit heavy, but it still offers a dive into the vibrant life beneath the waves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Dolphin Boy forms a family with the dolphins. How does this compare to his relationship with the human characters? What does this say about the concept of family in the film?
In what ways do courage and friendship play important roles in this film?
How does this movie compare with other animated films set in underwater environments? What makes this one unique, or what does it have in common with these films?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 20, 2024
- Cast : Polina Workman , Kay Rommel , Stephen Peter Krisel
- Director : Mohammad Kheirandish
- Inclusion Information : Middle Eastern/North African Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : peril, thematic elements and some violence
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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