On CLIPS In October, 2011
DOLPHIN TALE 

A boy (Nathan Gamble) befriends and helps a crippled dolphin in this true-life film from director Charles Martin Smith.

TRIVIA: As an actor, Charles Martin Smith was memorable playing which teen in "American Graffiti"?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
       (3 CAMS)        RATED PG

Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble), a lonely boy with no friends, rescues a dolphin from a crab trap. He becomes attached to the dolphin, whose tail must be taken off to save its life. Sawyer believes the crippled Winter would be able to swim normally if fitted with a prosthetic tail. "Dolphin Tale" is an enjoyable, but predictable, feel-good live-action family film that suffers from mediocre 3D. Very few of the effects work and the overall picture is dark. The 2D version will provide a much better viewing experience. Nathan Gamble and Winter (playing himself) are both outstanding. A stellar supporting cast lends credibility to this true-life adventure from director Charles Martin Smith. Harry Connick Jr. and Cozi Zuehlsdorff are a marine biologist and his daughter who befriend and help the young boy. Ashley Judd as Sawyer's mom, Morgan Freeman as the doctor who develops the prosthetic tail and a grandfatherly Kris Kristofferson are also on board. Lessons in family relationships and never giving up are presented in an easygoing way. The movie doesn't shy away from some tough issues, but manages to stay family friendly. With very few live-action films for all ages in theaters, "Dolphin Tale" should make a splash at the box office.