They Call Him Fli... Whoops, Wrong Show... "Dolphin Tale 2"

Dolphin Tale 2 (2014)

Rated PG

Starring Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Nathan Gamble, Cozi Zuehlsdorff,

Written & Directed by Charles Martin Smith

The Story:

Remember Winter from the first movie? Well, her surrogate mother has passed away, and now Winter isn't doing so great. If she doesn't recover, or if they Marina cannot find another dolphin to pair her with, according to the Feds, Winter will have to be sent to another Marina to live.

Oh no!

Yes, it's another round of "Based on a True Story".

The cast returns as young Sawyer (Gamble) has grown and faces a semester at sea. Of course he'd love to go, but his heart belongs with Winter and ensuring she gets the care at the Marina that she deserves.

Luckily she's under the care of Dr. Haskett (Connick) and his daughter (Zuehlsdorff) who is obviously enamored with Sawyer.

I guess that will be the story behind Dolphin Tale 2! (?)

As fate would have it, another dolphin in need is going to come into the Marina's life.

The trick is, will baby Hope and Winter be able to bond before the USDA comes to take Winter away forever?

Don't worry, you probably already know the answer, but it's still a mostly heartwarming tale to get you there.

Final Grade: C+

The Twelve Reviews of Christmas...Day Three: "Angels Sing"

Life is what you make of it.

The Story:

Michael (Harry Connick Jr.) hates Christmas.  His wife (Connie Britton) and son (Chandler Canterbury) don't share his disdain, but deal with it.  When he was little, Michael's brother died in an accident trying to save Michael.  He blames himself, and has hated Christmas ever since.  His father (Kris Kristofferson) always told him it wasn't his fault, but Michael never believed him.

When Michael stumbles across a house being sold by Nick (Willie Nelson), the two strike up a deal that seems entirely too good to be true.  All that Michael has to do, is keep up the standards that the neighborhood lives up to.  When it turns out that his house is the key centerpiece in an annual holiday lights that people travel the globe to see, it seems that the Grinch is going to steal everyone's Christmas.

Ah, but fate has one more cruel trick up her sleeve that will maybe, finally, open Michael's eyes to the real reason behind Christmas celebrations, and why he has to accept that sometimes, accidents happen.

Wow.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this film.  I'd never heard of it before, and to my knowledge this is the first year it's been released.  Not on Lifetime, ABC Family or the Hallmark Channel.

Saw it was coming out on Netflix last week, put it at the top of the queue, and well, now here we are.

:)

Needless to say, yes, a movie that has Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Harry Connick Jr. (and Lyle Lovett... among others...) in it:

There will be singing.

But, it is not a musical if that's what you're worried about.

The singing comes naturally, most often in the form of caroling by friends or family.

The message about accidents is a powerful one, and one that Michael doesn't realize until it's far too late.

He felt that he was always to blame for his brother's death but never once did he consider who shouldered a greater burden than he ever could.

My advice?

Bring a tissue to this one, you might find it will sneak up on you and you're going to need one.

Plus, I really want the snowman decoration in the film!!

Final Grade: Solid B  Could possibly push it even higher.

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor:  It's a deceptive crowd-pleaser with a bit of a sad overtone, but ultimately uplifting message.  I'm a fan, and I think I'll make sure it's in the library by this time next year.