Washington, DC (PRWEB) September 13, 2014
MilitaryOneClick had the chance to screen the new film Dolphin Tale 2, sequel to 2011’s hit Dolphin Tale, on Tuesday, September 9, in Washington DC. On hand for the screening were two of the film’s stars, Nathan Gamble ,who plays Sawyer Nelson, and Cozi Zuehlsdorff, who plays Hazel Haskett.
The original film, Dolphin Tale, is based on the true story of Winter, a bottlenose dolphin who came to Clearwater Marine Aquarium (FL) after she lost her tail in the wild. As the film recounts, Winter ultimately relearns to swim after being fitted with a prosthetic tail at the Aquarium. Dolphin Tale 2 takes the audience on a return trip to Clearwater, where Winter is in dire need of a companion dolphin. Without one, she will be shipped to an alternate facility. Enter Hope, a rescued baby dolphin brought in to (hopefully) serve as Winter’s companion. Dolphin Tale 2 is also inspired by actual events.
Bethany Hamilton, the professional surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack in Hawaii and who inspired the movie Soul Surfer, joins the cast of Dolphin Tale 2. In addition, the original cast, including Harry Connick, Jr, Morgan Freeman, Kris Kristofferson, Ashley Judd, Julianna Harkavy, Austin Stowell, Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff, return for the sequel, and the continuity will particularly please fans of the original film.. As the characters, specifically Sawyer and Hazel, are a few years older and wiser, we join them on this next chapter in life – the chapter of change.
The movie does introduce a few new animal characters, as well, and Mavis the sea turtle definitely emerged as a favorite at the screening. Hearing the children’s laughter in the theater while watching the antics of Roofus the pelican mixed with Mavis’s sea turtle expressions had everyone, young and old cracking up.
The movie is a must-see for the whole family. It was fun to watch the film with my own children, ages 8 and 11, and see their reactions to the humorous parts — and also to discuss the theme of the movie, “rescue, rehab and release.” As this movie explains in a true-to-life way, change is never easy, but change is a fact of life. This powerful message is beautifully complemented by the above- and in-water cinematography throughout the entire movie, which is stunning, and is particularly impressive on the big screen.
As a military family, we were thrilled to see how well the filmmakers incorporated veterans and the military into the story line. I don’t think there was a dry in the theater during a scene which incorporated a veteran; the story is taken from real events at the rehab hospital in Clearwater, where they have many veterans, military, recovering warriors, and their families visit in hope for a new start.
As the credits rolled, everyone in our screening erupted in cheers and clapping. Then the members of the film’s cast who were in attendance were introduced. Both of them thanked all of the military families in the theater and talked about their day in DC and how extremely humbling it was to visit many of our nation’s memorials; both indicated that they were deeply moved by the Vietnam Memorial. The actors also participate in a question and answer session with attendees. Many kids lined up to ask them what it was like to swim with the dolphins. Both Cozi and Nathan underwent extensive underwater training but said it was one of the best experiences of their lives. When asked about Hope, the baby dolphin, they emphasized the safety of the animals is paramount during filming, so during the scene where they first bring Hope to the hospital Dr. Clay, played by Harry Connick, Jr., is actually holding a “rubberized” dolphin puppet because it would be unsafe to have a Dolphin out of the water for that extended period of time.
MilitaryOneClick asked the actors about the inspiration for the wounder veteran theme throughout the first and second movie. The actors explained that thousands of veterans, military families, and recovering warriors visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium hospital to find inspiration from Winter, and their stories were woven into the plot of the films.
The cast members in attendance also took time to sign posters and pose for pictures with all of the children who attended the screening. For my son and daughter, meeting them was a thrill — both kids loved the movie. In fact, they loved it so much that we are planning to see the film again — this weekend!
About MilitaryOneClick: MilitaryOneClick (http://www.militaryoneclick.com), founded and led by Jennifer Pilcher, one of the nation’s foremost experts on military families, is a premier online resource for active duty military, reservists, veterans, and their families. MilitaryOneClick.com reaches over 2 million people a month with a No Login, No Password, One Click website and social media platforms.