Dolphin Island (2021) Poster

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5/10
An incredibly sweet, fun film that can be enjoyed by all
dmansel23 January 2022
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.
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5/10
Very bad dialogue writing and direction
subhametya0072 March 2021
It's a feel good movie with obviou storyline.That's all right.But why this atrocious dialogues.There are at least 30 mins of unnecessary dialogue.Its not a animation movie for kids!! I cringed every time they try to spoonfeed words and sometimes those words doesn't match action and emotion of characters. They could have shown the island more and do some character development.
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4/10
it's not enough
SnoopyStyle6 February 2022
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.
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heartfelt, fun movie
inon10119 March 2021
Dolphin Island is a touching, heartfelt, beautiful movie. Fun entertainment for the whole family. Highly recommended!
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2/10
Poor dialogue & acting
denisecronin16 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Grandfather made a horrendous first impression on a social worker and blames her when she documents it. Dialogue is dreadful and poorly delivered. Save yourself the time, don't watch this movie.
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4/10
Good for kids
BandSAboutMovies27 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
After losing her parents, fourteen-year-old Annabel has moved in with her grandfather a fisherman, on a Caribbean Island where her best friend is a dolphin named Mitzy. However, her maternal grandparents don't see this as a suitable life for a young girl and come to take her away.

We don't often watch family films here, but this is a cute story about finding the family that you want, not the one you are necessarily born into. Peter Woodward (who was in The Patriot) is really good in this as the grandfather. It's a nice film for young audiences who are animal lovers and may not have seen many coming of age movies.

Mike Disa, who directed this, comes from the animation world, having directed films like Dante's Inferno and Dead Space - based on the video games - and kids movies like Space Dogs: Adventure to the Moon, Postman Pat: The Movie and Hoodwinked Too! There's a horror connection as well, as writer Shaked Berenson produced Turbokid, JeruZalem, Slaxx, Tales of Halloween and The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot.
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5/10
Great storyline but falls short with robotic acting, rushed storyline
technoticanime892 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This movie could have been good but just really fell flat. Loved the views, the dolphin especially and the idea of the movie, but the writer's failed to make it flow properly by rushing certain areas of the plot. The relationship between the grandfather and the social worker felt creepy and rushed because her son is the same age as his granddaughter. The acting was either too toned down or too fake looking to feel realistic. From the main cast to the minor appearances, it just sounded flat. It could have been better if they had changed areas of the story and got more realistic emotions from the cast. Plus the court scene was cringeworthy in both acting and dialog. Plus it shouldn't have been that easy for the lawyer to get his hands on the social worker's files. Plus Annabelle seems way more immature and naive than children I've met her age.
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7/10
Cute and Clean family film!
gripograce-728663 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
One of the things I miss from my time in Christian Retail was helping to review nearly every film that we sold for content. In the Christian film industry, there are times where you get GREAT films, and other times you get films that are well meaning, but due to poor writing, acting, etc., they miss the mark.

The kids and I recently given the link to watch this film, Dolphin Island, and to review. The concept of the movie is simple. A Young girl has experienced the loss of both parents and is living with her Grandfather in a houseboat in a fishing community. The rich Grandparents who have had nothing to do with her for 10 years now want to take full custody and will use any means necessary to do so.

First let me say, it is a well-suited film for young children, although the topic can be a bit intense and there is a scene where the girl runs away, and a boat explodes leaving her unconscious in the water. Depending on your child that might be a bit intense. If you are looking for a family movie night without language, violence, and you've caught up on all other films. Then this is the film for you.

The scenery is beautiful, and the use of live animals is a plus in this film. Especially on a snowy northeast Ohio day, it will make you ready for a vacation to Sunny Coasts.

Some of the acting makes this a movie that my teenage self would have made fun of my parents for watching. Yet it is very enjoyable and fun to watch.

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.#DolphinIslandMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork
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10/10
It made me giggle, cry, grimace, and sigh, but ultimately left me beaming.
Cover-Lover2 March 2021
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.
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8/10
Beatiful locations for a touching story about how love is a bond that can't be broken
rannynm3 March 2021
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!
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8/10
Recommended for the whole family
phyllishelton4 March 2021
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.
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10/10
Hope at home
kristinhilltaylor2 March 2021
After a lot of time at home, we were thankful for a family-friendly movie I got to screen from the comfort of our couch. My husband, mother-in-law, and I may have liked it more than the kids, but we also were glad for some clean entertainment to share with the youngsters in the house.

"Dolphin Island" is a heartwarming feature film about 14-year-old Annabel who lives with her fisherman grandfather on an island paradise. They operate a nonprofit marine research and conservation center. She is surrounded by an extended family of loving but quirky neighbors and her best friend, a dolphin named Mitzy. Everything changes when her maternal grandparents arrive with a shifty lawyer to bring her back to New York. Annabel and her friends navigate these circumstances to prove that love conquers all.

My kids all reacted like anyone who knows them would expect: Rachel, who is 5, talked about how much she likes dolphins and asked about going to the beach. The 11-year-old Ben liked the action that came with the pirate-like barrister, which of course we had to define as an attorney for him. Cate, the resident teenager, wasn't so sure about an inspirational film, but she periodically made comments about the main character.
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10/10
Amazing
officialsierra-194398 March 2021
An absolute work of art. Never have I ever seen a movie this amazing. The story, the acting. the script, the music, cinematography, everything is perfect. 100% lack of the name Liam. perfect work of art. must-see
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9/10
Great for Family Night at the Movies
serena-5209510 March 2021
Perfect movie to get your mind off of your troubles. True it is temporary but still it is better than nothing. Last year was crazy and we all can use a break even if it is for an hour and a half.

"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
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8/10
KInda like the 1960's Flipper TV Series
davick-279336 March 2021
Without giving away too much of the story, I can tell you it has the same overtones as the 1960's TV series, FLIPPER, but updated to modern times. If you are old enough to remember this fun, family- oriented TV series, you know it involved an extraordinarily intelligent dolphin that was "best friends" with two main teenage characters, Sandy and Bud, and he often helped rescue one (or both) from a dangerous situation surrounding the sea. The TV series was entertaining and full of family values. It is the same with DOLPHIN ISLAND. While it may not be the best film I have ever seen, it was good, and I would recommend it for families and/or youth groups. On the website, you can even download a FREE 5-Session DISCUSSION GUIDE to help with group discussions, covering the topics of courage, faith, and forgiveness.

Many thanks to Entertainment Squad for providing a link for this movie review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
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