Sandy (Elijah Woods) is really angry at being sent to stay with his uncle Porter (Paul Hogan) on Coral Key, part of Florida's Key Islands. He is to spend the entire summer there, while his divorcing Mother recovers and ties up loose ends. Ouch. Not only this, but fisherman Porter lives in a near-shack, dines quite a bit on spaghettios, and makes toast with a blow torch. Plus, Sandy will be missing a dreamed of concert with The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Almost at once, Sandy begins plotting an escape. But, soon, a dolphin he and his uncle saw on the open water follows the boy home. Naming him Flipper, Sandy teaches the dolphin tricks and tries to earn money by showing him off to others. However, problems arise. First, no one is allowed to "keep" a dolphin as a pet; its a violation. Second, an evil fellow fisherman detests dolphins, who get in the way of fishing, and also may be plotting other dastardly deeds in the area. Will Sandy be able to remain close with Flipper? And is the dolphin and other sea creatures in danger? This entertaining version of a classic tv show from the sixties has much to enjoy. Hogan is a hoot and he and Wood are perfect acrimonious foils. The scenery is quite lovely, making one want to jet off to the Keys, and Flipper the actor is a heart stealer. Although there are times when tears may start forming, all ends well. In short, your family will flip over Flipper!
