Dolphin Tale

As is the case with many films that boast the “inspired by a true story” label in the credits, that true story in Dolphin Tale is probably more interesting than the fictionalized version that’s been churned out by Hollywood.

This family-friendly story of a pre-teen outcast who bonds with an injured dolphin might be inspirational at its core, but is coated with so much sugar and syrup here as to make both boy and dolphin less appealing as a result.

The dolphin is Winter, who is found on a beach by a troubled boy (Nathan Gamble) after her tail was caught in crab trap. Winter is taken to a fledgling marine rescue facility operated by Clay (Harry Connick Jr.), who struggles to keep his aquarium financially viable as its board prepares to sell to a developer.

Clay realizes the only chance to save the dolphin is by amputating its infected tail, which makes it difficult for Winter to swim. Out of desperation, Clay and his staff decide to try a customized prosthetic tail as part of the rescue effort. They soon learn that breakthrough could impact not only Winter, but the future of their business as well.

The script drowns in sentimentality, and becomes needlessly cluttered with irrelevant subplots, whether it’s the former high-school swimming star who returns home after being injured at war, or the hurricane that causes major damage to the aquarium at the worst possible time.

The film, directed by actor Charles Martin Smith (Air Bud), has an appealing cast (including Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson and Morgan Freeman) going through predictable paces, determined to wrap up every story arc with the happiest of endings. For some reason, it’s also in 3D, for families that want to waste extra money.

Alas, what’s probably most intriguing about Dolphin Tale is that the real-life Winter plays herself in the movie.

Perhaps a documentary about her remarkable story would have been a wiser choice. Would it be relegated to Animal Planet or of interest only to marine biology students? Probably not. Judging from the hoopla that her true-life recovery continues to generate, Winter doesn’t need co-stars or cameras to offer mass appeal.

Rated PG, 112 minutes.