Story
Dolphin Tale 2 continues the story of Winter, a rescued dolphin. In the first Dolphin Tale movie, Dr Cameron McCarthy (Morgan Freeman) creates a prosthetic tail for Winter after an injury leaves her fighting for life. In this sequel, Winter’s companion dolphin at the Clearwater aquarium dies, leaving Winter alone and isolated. US law says that dolphins can’t be kept in captivity alone. They must be paired with other dolphins because of their social nature.
This movie follows the journey of the compassionate and determined Clearwater dolphin rescue team to find a companion for Winter so she can stay at the aquarium. As part of this, Dr McCarthy must design new and more realistic tails for Winter. Eventually they find a suitable dolphin who doesn’t act aggressively towards Winter. This means the Clearwater team can keep Winter and maintain their friendship with a creature they have fought so hard to protect.
Themes
Violence
Dolphin Tale 2 has limited violence. For example:
- After losing her companion, Winter becomes highly antisocial and even slightly violent towards other dolphins that are placed in captivity with her. She is also violent towards people and injures Sawyer at one point.
- There is a discussion about Bethany, a professional surfer, losing her arm in a shark attack.
Content that may disturb children
Under 8
In addition to the violent scenes mentioned above, Dolphin Tale 2 has some scenes that could upset children aged under eight years. These include the scene where Winter’s companion dolphin dies. It features a sad farewell, and both Winter and the humans are very upset.
From 8-13
Younger children in this age group might also be disturbed when Winter’s companion dolphin dies.
Over 13
Nothing of concern
Sexual references
Dolphin Tale 2 has some sexual references, including mild flirtatious behaviour between Sawyer and Hazel.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
None of concern
Nudity and sexual activity
None of concern
Product placement
None of concern
Coarse language
None of concern
Ideas to discuss with your children
Dolphin Tale 2 is a heart-warming story about relationships, love and triumph over obstacles.
The movie highlights the strength of relationships not only between humans, but also between different species. It also shows the strength of the human spirit, the importance of persistence, and the determination of individuals when it comes to protecting and fighting for those they love.
The movie also highlights the importance of not overlooking the strengths of people with disability, and the triumph of compassion and cooperation over individual disability.
Some scenes in Dolphin Tale 2 might be upsetting for children aged under eight years, so the movie is best suited to children aged eight years and over.
You could talk with your children about the:
- effects of keeping wild animals in captivity
- issues involved in the rescue of animals
-
effects of human disability, and how it can affect quality of life and interpersonal relationships.