Dolphin Island

This was a pleasant surprise as part of my anti-shark week movie marathon. It had an engaging cast with a sweet story that made me better after watching it. With so many things out of our control these days, it is always nice to enjoy a movie that you know how it is going to end. I am sure there are people who do not appreciate some light family movie escapism and I truly feel sorry for them.

This flick ticked all the right boxes for me and I will be watching it again. Hope to see more from all involved because this is the type of entertainment I want to see more of. You can never go wrong with dolphins in my humble opinion.

Dolphin Island is an interesting movie because of the dynamic between the two characters, Jonah (Peter Woodward) and Annabelle (Tyer Jade Nixon). I enjoy the relationship between the characters and the humanity added to the dolphin is a unique touch. It is interesting to watch Jonah and Annabelle interact with the dolphin. I really love seeing the dolphin perform human tasks and seemingly communicating with Annabelle. This shows how the director, Mike Disa, humanizes the dolphin. Dolphin Island makes me believe the characters enjoy spending time with each other and they truly love one another. The only problem I have with the movie is the title. Calling it Dolphin Island makes me think there's a bunch of dolphins in the movie and they are the focus of the movie. However, the movie is good enough for me to quickly get over that disappointment.

The story is about a 14-year-old girl, Annabelle, whose parents die and who lives in the Bahamas with Jonah, her grandfather. Her best friend is a dolphin named Mitzy. Life is good until Annabelle's maternal grandparents (David Raizor and Annette Lovrien Duncan) show up with a lawyer and demand that Annabelle come to New York to live with them.

At times Dolphin Island can be sad and emotional, especially when it comes to Annabelle and her great loss. The actors portray the emotion you would expect from a family that loses a loved one. Annabelle's character says and does some things that I see myself doing in the same situation, such as treating Mitzy like a person. When Mitzy sprays Jonah, Annabelle says it is because Mitzy is a good judge of humor. Also, Peter Woodward (as Jonah) really seems to have a good relationship with Annabelle. For example, when Jonah says he wants to show Annabelle what it is like to be happy, I really believe his character wants this. Dolphin Island shows us the relationship between some of the people on the island with Annabelle, Mitzy and Jonah. Seeing those relationships makes us see why Annabelle is so happy on the island and how this helps her cope with her parents' death. The story offers a brilliant take on what makes a family a true family - sometimes family is by blood, sometimes by friendships, and sometimes with animals. Dolphin Island presents some unpredictable plot twists you don't expect along with strong character development.

The message of this movie is that family will always be there for you and that love conquers all, even when things are at their worst. Along with that strong message, just like the title suggests, Dolphin Island teaches viewers a little about dolphins and how lovable and smart they really are.

I give Dolphin Island 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18. Grownups will enjoy it as well. Reviewed by Ayden P., KIDS FIRST!

Dolphin Island is a touching, heartfelt, beautiful movie. Fun entertainment for the whole family. Highly recommended!

At the center of our story is Annabel, a young happy-go-lucky woman living with her grandfather. Everything in Annabel's life is turning up roses: living the beach life with a loving parental figure and a dolphin for a best friend. Our antagonists are quickly established as Anna's other set of grandparents swoop in with the shadiest lawyer to whisk her away back to the states. What could've been a simple story is surprisingly sweet, mostly due to the development of the characters and the strength of the actors. What begins as a relative innocent movie progresses to a frantic ending that will keep viewers engaged throughout.

Acting wise, Tyler Jade Nixon anchors the film as Annabel, our quirky heroine who's life is just as sunny as the island she lives on. Annabel is carefree with no worries (ah, to be young again) and Nixon plays the part wonderfully. Peter Woodward is the highlight of the film (sorry, Mitzy), showing a nice range of caution, jolly, distraught, and a hint of what could become desperate loneliness. Paired with Woodward is Dionne Lea Williams and together they have a comfortable chemistry that's equally believable and sweet. Bob Bledsoe's mustache-twirling Robert Carbunkle also shines and it's plain to see Bledsoe is having an immense amount of fun playing the shifty lawyer.

Directed by Mike Disa, Dolphin Island is no easy task: along with an ensemble cast of humans, Disa also makes great use of Mitzy; the titular dolphin of the story and Annabel's best friend. Mitzy's use is sporadic at first, but as the third act ramps up, the perpetually helpful mammal becomes just as important as Annabel. Disa also has a great eye for both the camera and characters on the screen. Props must be given to the cinematography: full use of the gorgeous blue waters, white sands, tropical settings, and bright sun are put on display here. The establishing shots are marvelous to see and Disa chooses not to skimp on them.

Overall, Dolphin Island is an incredibly sweet, fun film that can be enjoyed by all. A wonderful family movie with warmth, heart, and earnestness, it's a joy to watch. Solid performances, lush visuals, and good directing all combine to tell a feel good story in a tight, tidy 91 minutes. In a world that's become increasingly bitter, uplifting movies are always appreciated and this one is a fine addition to a weekend movie watching playlist.

Dolphin Island's production was sandwiched between Hurricane Dorian hitting the Bahamas and the COVID-19 pandemic. To help ease their financial burden, proceeds of the film are being given to the local cast and crew who on both sides of the camera. If you're looking for something new to watch as a family unit and you're interested in helping a nation get back on its feet, look no further than Dolphin Island. There's a number of platforms that are carrying the movie, all of which you can find here.

Teenager Annabel Coleridge has been living with her fisherman grandfather in the Bahamas after the death of her parents as to the wishes of the will. Her other grandparents are rich New Yorkers and are working to gain custody with the help of a sleazy lawyer.

The writing is clunky at best. There is a lot of bending over backwards to add drama to the custody battle. It would be simpler to buy off the judge. That would be more acceptable. There has been a few of these movies where island vacation spots are trying to diversify their businesses with some moviemaking. The result has been underwhelming so far. They do have the sunshine and beaches. This lead girl is pretty and somewhat effervescent but in the end, it's not enough. The actors are generally second tier but the writing is even less. It's not enough.