Dolphin Island

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.

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!

Dolphin Island is a fun, family-friendly film. The photography was quite good and the location was lovely.

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.

Dolphin Island is an emotional, inspiring, feel-good movie! It demonstrates the significance of communal friendships and familial bonds. I enjoyed the themes of good vs evil and the power of love, and how it offers a true bonding experience.

This is such a positive and satisfying film. I quickly connected to Jonah Coleridge and his teen granddaughter, Annabel. Their relationship is exceptionally sweet, and though their Dolphin Island houseboat is an unconventional home, it is filled with tenderness, acceptance, and love. The island neighbors are fun and diverse, and Annabel's best friend, a lovable dolphin named Mitzi, might be the dearest Island member of all.

There are so many great characters/actors in this movie. My favorites are:

Jonah Coleridge, played by Peter Woodward (THE PATRIOT) Annabel Coleridge, played by Tyler Jade Nixon (DOLPHIN KICK) Mateo, Annabel's sly, lovable friend, played by Aaron Burrows Mr. Carbunkle, the easy-to-dislike lawyer played by Bob Bledsoe (PARKS AND RECREATION)

I enjoyed every aspect of this tale. It made me giggle, cry, grimace, and sigh, but ultimately left me beaming. Dolphin Island a clean, meaningful, and soul-stirring film suitable for the entire family.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Entertainment Squad 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.