After losing her parents, teenager Annabel Coleridge lives with her fisherman grandfather on a Caribbean island paradise surrounded by an extended family of loving but quirky oddballs and he... Read allAfter losing her parents, teenager Annabel Coleridge lives with her fisherman grandfather on a Caribbean island paradise surrounded by an extended family of loving but quirky oddballs and her best friend, a dolphin named Mitzy. Everything changes when her rich maternal grandparen... Read allAfter losing her parents, teenager Annabel Coleridge lives with her fisherman grandfather on a Caribbean island paradise surrounded by an extended family of loving but quirky oddballs and her best friend, a dolphin named Mitzy. Everything changes when her rich maternal grandparents arrive with a shifty lawyer to bring her back to New York. It's up to her grandfather, ... Read all
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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 about a 14 year old who lives with her grandfather who is a fisherman. Challenges occur when her grandmother on her mom's side wants to take her. Guess who becomes her friend? Mitzy, a dolphin.
Full of family values that you will want to share. Totally would suggest this movie be in your watch list.
#dolphinislandmin #MomentumInfluencerNetwork
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.
Anna's story was touching - orphaned at five years old. And her loving grandfather, Jonah, gave up his career as a history professor at Cambridge to take over her care and run the marine institute her parents had founded. Jonah was quite realistic in that he got angry when provoked and made a couple of poor choices that added conflict to the story. The friendship between Anna and Mitzy, the dolphin, was sweet! I liked watching them swim and play together.
I really appreciated that there was no foul language and that even though they were in a tropical location, there wasn't an overabundance of skin on display. Ana wore a one-piece swimsuit when she was in the water and dressed tastefully and modestly when on land.
While lighthearted for the most part, a conflict brought a somber element that helped balance the rest.
My husband and I both felt that the acting was, at times, a little over the top. Especially at the beginning. Some situations were simply implausible - and not just because the film targeted a younger audience.
Overall, I recommend this for anyone looking for a wholesome film for the whole family to enjoy.
Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Did you know
- GoofsAt the beginning when the granddaughter jumps in the water she then climbs back on the boat and is clearly completely dry, her clothes aren't even the slightest bit wet.
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- Runtime1 hour 31 minutes
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