Starring CARLY SCHROEDER, JANE LYNCH, ADRIAN DUNBAR, GEORGE HARRIS and KATHARINE ROSS
Written by Multi-Emmy Winner WENDELL MORRIS Directed by Multi Award Winner MICHAEL D. SELLERS
“Beautiful!” VARIETY “Delightful!” FLICK FILOSOPHER “Authentic heart!” APOLLO GUIDE
LOGLINE: Alyssa, a troubled 15 year old girl, is forced to move to the Bahamas and live with her estranged father when she is expelled from the 9th grade. Their conflicting personalities make it difficult for the two to form a meaningful relationship until the local government tries to turn the father’s research facility into a tourist attraction. TRT: 95min Family Adventure SYNOPSIS: Alyssa (CARLY SCHROEDER) is a troubled 14-year old, suspended from school a year after her mother has drowned. Her grandmother Lucy (KATHARINE ROSS) , at wit’s end, decides to take Alyssa to her father, James (ADRIAN DUNBAR) , whom Alyssa thought was dead for years. He studies dolphin communication at Smith’s Point, on the Grand Bahama Island. James has not known of Alyssa’s existence and is clueless about parenthood. The women arrive at the same time that James may lose his research operation to a tourist attraction headed by Elizabeth Glinton (JANE LYNCH), an old scientific rival. Father, daughter, dolphins, and town are on a collision course. Alyssa and James get encouragement from James’s girlfriend and her father. It’s the dolphins who can teach, and Alyssa who discovers how to listen.
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17 Reviews
5 star: (11)
4 star: (4)
3 star: (0)
2 star: (0)
1 star: (2)
Average: 4.5 Stars
A True Family Film !!!!
By OhBo “K Land” (Ohio) – See all my reviews
First let me say that I and everyone in my family thoroughly enjoyed this film. The combination of Animals (in this case Dolphins) interacting with humans, has always been appealing to audiences in Hollywood feature films, Eye of the Dolphin is no different. Aside from that and the remarkable production value with plenty of under water scenes, this is a true family movie and is a tribute to the independent film makers of the world. If you review this film like a 100 million or even 20 million dollar film, on some level that is probably flattering to the producers, as they made this film for considerably less. That being said, this film is all about communication and not just (although it is addressed) limited to communicating with dolphins, and that is something that just cannot be stressed enough in any and all families. This is a values based film and one that all parents with tweens and teens should love. Carly Schroeder has both charisma and a genuiness about her that comes across beautifully. This family drama about a parent and a child discovering each other is a must see.
“For those with ears…”, October 22, 2007
By Louie N. “digger” (Uvalde, TX United States) – See all my reviews
While I didn’t write this review, I thought it was important to share because it really speaks out about what’s important about the movie.
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In Eye of the Dolphin, Alyssa is a troubled teen. She’s recently lost her mother and is in trouble in school (and wearing way too much make-up so we know she’s troubled). When her grandmother can do no more for her, she takes Alyssa to the Bahamas to meet the father she never knew she had (and vice versa). Her father, Dr. James Hawk, is researching dolphin communication in hope of being able to understand them. Alyssa and her father must find a way to rescue her life from the edge of catastrophe. Can they each rescue each other from their troubles?
OK, that sounds a lot like some kind of after school special. And in many ways, it is. That isn’t saying anything bad about it, but it does have a target audience of teens and parents. Such a film may not develop characters and relationships as fully as other films might, but the film is designed to focus on an issue.
The real issue that is dealt with in the film is communication. Communication and its difficulties are central to the storyline. The research into communication with dolphins serves to sets the stage for the challenges that the characters face in their struggles to hear and be heard.
There are many things that get in the way of real communication. One is distraction by other voices. In the film, this is shown through the ear buds that people use while listening to iPods or earphones that Hawk often wears as he listens to the dolphins. These shut out other voices. I think the film thinks it’s a good thing that in her first encounter with the dolphins, they steal Alyssa’s iPod and ruin it.
Yet another obstacle to communication is being too busy. Hawk especially is so consumed with his research that he doesn’t pay attention to those around him, even those who can help or hinder him. It is always easy to put people off when we think we’re doing something important. Often, however, we miss something far more important because we haven’t been ready to listen.
Sometimes we just refuse to listen. Alyssa’s grandmother gave her a stack of letters that Hawk had written to her mother through the years. They are all unopened. Could what was in those letters have made any difference in their lives? Not when the words don’t pass from one person to another.
But the film also shows us that communication is possible. Hawk’s girlfriend Tami takes Alyssa to Tami’s mother’s grave, where she talks to her mother. Here the film begins to tell us that true communication involves a bit of a spiritual level. Communication is not just hearing, but connecting to the other person.
When Alyssa is asked if she thinks dolphins can talk, she says the problem is, “we just don’t know how to listen right.” That insight reflects all the issues that challenge the way the various characters hear (or not) one another. Listening is not just about the words, but in knowing the right way of listening, which involves connecting to one another.
It is that spiritual component to listening that will provide the opportunity for the relationship between Alyssa and her father to grow and for the problems that they face to be overcome.
We too need to pay attention to our communication, be it with the people around us or our communication with God. There are always obstacles to our being heard and to our listening. Often Jesus ended a parable by saying, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen.” He really didn’t mean that listening was a matter only of the ears. He also expects us to listen with our hearts, where true communication takes place.
- Darrell Manson
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Fun for the whole family!
By E. Baratti (LA) – See all my reviews
Great film!
It reminds me of those old Disney classics like Robinson Crusoe or Swiss Family Robinson! It takes you on an adventure that you never want to return from! I would definitely recommend this to families especially those with pre-teen or teenage girls.
And I love Carly Schroeder! Why can’t she be in more movies? She’s much better than the vapid, vacuous wannabes who call themselves actresses. (*COUGH* Lindsay *COUGH* Lohan!)
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Pleasantly Surprised
By David J. Navarre – See all my reviews
I was glad to see a lot of positive reviews on this website. This film truly deserves some good ratings. It’s a fun, well done family film. I’ll admit some of the acting isn’t world class but Carly Schroeder is a fresh new talent and enjoyable to watch.
As for any comments that this film is not “family friendly,” the drug use is brief and condemned and condemned. As for the condom: God forbid a film promotes safe sex to teens. Anyone who doesn’t think 14 year olds know about sex is just fooling themselves.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Story of a really brave girl that I can relate to
By Kelly (CA, USA) – See all my reviews
Saw this movie in an advance screening. I really like it. I relate to the main character Alyssa a lot. I don’t understand why someone would think it’s not “family friendly”? just like “Janet Boyer” who posted a review earlier… I think it’s totally suitable for teenagers, at least the smart ones.
What exactly is “family friendly”?
If the girl in the movie doesn’t smoke joint, there are still tons of young people being attracted to drugs. If the girl doesn’t toss the condom to her grandmother, the sex still exists. The real world exists even if we adults as parents only send out the most controlled, naive messages; there are still death, drugs, sex, violence in the world and what is left to the young people is a bigger confusion that they can’t get true answers from us who they trust with all their heart.
The right thing to do is not covering but to deal with it, and appreciate the great courage the characters show in the movie; and the first step of dealing with it is to face it.
And what is the true meaning of “family friendly”? I guess it’s the belief that individuals with the support from their family will overcome any obstacles along their way. They may get lost sometimes but they burry their grief and accomplish something their family will take proud of.
If this lady did stay longer than 20 min and saw the end of the movie, I believe she will agree that in the end the girl’s late mother will take proud of what she has accomplished. I myself, after watching the movie, sincerely feel happy for Alyssa because growing up is knowing that life is not perfect but you still love it.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Communication and Relationships
By Oh My God (San Jose, CA) – See all my reviews
I saw this film at the theater with my wife and 14 year old son. And although the movie is targeted at young teen girls, it is enjoyable for both boys and girls. This is the story of a troubled teen girl by the name of Alyssa. And to be brief, when things get out of hand for her, she is sent to the Bahamas to live with the father she thought was dead and never knew she had. And to not give too much away, Alyssa finally learns to think about and communicate with others, shomething we should all learn. When I saw it, there were those who thought it too long, others too short as the plot took time to develep and expand on each character. This to me means it was the correct length. This is truly a diamond in the rough as it is better than all the reviews I have read.
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Top-notch entertainment / Beautiful photography!,
By Dee J. – See all my reviews
Frankly, I thought this movie might be a bit slow and boring, but I and my family really enjoyed it. A lot more realistic about dolphins than, say, “Flipper”. I highly recommend “Eye of the Dolphin” for any age movie watcher!
Feel Good
By Joy Created “Joy Created” (La Conner WA) – See all my reviews
Eye of the Dolphin is an awesome “feel good” kind of movie. Beautiful blue waters, dolphins and Carly Schroder. Can’t ask for much more.
By Hawk6169 (NH, USA) – See all my reviews
great movie. i always loved movies like this.
like flipper the movie, holiday in the sun, free willy 1-3, there all great.
A Very Good Family Film,
By S William Shaw “www.muscleandbrawn.com” (The Nether) – See all my reviews
Eye of the Dolphin is the story of Alyssa (played by Carly Schroeder), a trouble fourteen year old girl who has lost her mother and is trying her best to cope. At wits end, Alyssa’s grandmother takes her to the Bahama’s, to meet her father for the first time. It is here that the story takes off.
For a family film, the first fifteen minutes are a little rough for younger children. Alyssa smokes pot, hands her grandmother a condom, and expresses her teen angst. Though none of these scenes made us want to turn the film off, they caught us a bit off guard. But with that said, Alyssa’s problems are not just pointless scenes. They set the table for the rest of this beautiful and touching film.
The story is ultimately feel good. The cast of characters are very lovable, and you feel an instant connection with all of the actors in this film. The casting is superb. And by the end of the film, you delight in Alyssa’s triumph, and feel glad that you – and your family – just invested the time to watch this movie.
Uplifting and entertaining. A must see family flick.
From Internet Movie DataBase
A Real Gem of a family movie
Author: doc-207 from cleveland ohio
Our entire family enjoyed this wonderful family film. We recently noticed that it won a “Parenting Award” from the NAPPA and for good reason IMO. The combination of Animals interacting with humans in family films has always been appealing to audiences and Carly Schroeder has both charisma and a genuiness about her that comes across beautifully on the big screen. But there is much more to this values based film, one that all parents with “tweens” and/or teens should love. Eye of the Dolphin is a true family drama about a parent and a child discovering each other and about communication. It also reminds me of some of the old family entertainment that we all watched as kids, Flipper and Swiss Family Robinson come to mind. The film has plenty of under water and dolphin scenes. A “must see” family film.
Great family Film!, 17 March 2007
Author: buddybrd from South Florida
Saw this film at a film festival.. I liked it a lot. Carly did a great job as the kid lead in the film. All the characters did their roles very well. I know Dolphins are very smart, but it must have been difficult to get three dolphins to perform in co-ordination the way they did. Story line has a good moral message, and the Dolphins and the kid are heroes in the end. This is just the kind of film I like to take my grandkids to see. The photography of the blue Bahama waters and the dolphins was first class. Makes you want to go there and lay on the beach. It was great to see Catherine Ross in a film again… although not a big part, she handled it like a pro. I give this one a 9.
Animal Lovers and Environmentalist’s Won’t be Disappointed
Author: R R from Canada
Eye of the Dolphin is a good movie. Generally, when I watch animal movies my expectations are low (I wasn’t especially impressed with Air Bud or any of its many sequels), but I decided to give this one a shot because I saw a trailer and thought that it had some cool underwater sequences. It turned out to be better than I had expected. There is so much natural beauty in the film and Eye of the Dolphin also kept my interest with character development and story line.
It was good to see a little bit of “edgy” content in the film, perhaps I was expecting more of a “kiddie” movie but the main character, played by Carly Schroeder, depicts the stuggles of a modern teen girl well. Inevitably, some parts of the movie come across as being a bit cheesy, but the movie as a whole works and is definitely worth seeing. The dolphins are amazing and this film does an especially good job of showcasing some of what their superior echolocation allows them to do. Teenagers, environmentalists, animal lovers will enjoy this film.
Excellent family movie for parent and teen/tween girls (and boys)
Author: jerry_welch from California, United States
Take your family to see this movie, both girls and boys. It is the story of a troubled teen who eventually learns to communicate, lastly with her father. The main character is portrayed wonderfully by Carly Schroeder and supported by an excellent cast. The cinematography is superb, both above and below water.
Although there is substance abuse by the main character/troubled teen, it is completely within context for the character development. In fact, the movie goes to great lengths to properly develop all the characters and give them some depth. As to the substance abuse portrayed, it can be a good way to start conversations (communicate) with your child about what they may have or will likely be exposed to in the course of their travels through the teens.
My 14 year old son enjoyed the movie immensely. This is a true family film, not a children’s film and should be treated as such. But don’t shy away from taking your child, even as young as 8-10 depending on their social development.
A wonderfully beautiful film about creatures we all love, 2 May 2007
Author: from Los Angeles
The film is one of those rare combinations of extreme beauty in the scenery and well mixed versatile cast.
I love the story and the evolution of a troubled girl to one who is able to save the day.
Mainly I loved the local color and setting in the Bahamas. The dolphin scenes were exquisite as was the interaction with them by Carly Schroeder.
The supporting cast was up to the task and very likable. I cared that they would be able to save the dolphin research center.
A wonderful film….
Wow…Quite Good, 6 July 2007
Author: Adam from United States
To be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to this film, but I came away from it really impressed. Even though it’s somewhat corny at times, it deals with some fairly complex issues. There was emotion, drama, and even some well-placed humor. The film looks great, and has some impressive performances, especially from some of the more minor characters. Plus, there were the dolphins. Ahhhh, the dolphins. Very cute, and very funny, as always. Granted, it’s not my kind of movie, but it’s very well made, and definitely enjoyable. I would highly recommend this to anyone into teen/family dramas, or anyone who’s a fan of dolphins.
Fun for the Whole Family
Author: SFHStiger22 from United States
First, for all of you dolphin lovers and anything ocean friendly related:You will love the message that this film delivers. It demonstrates that while people may have an interest in learning more about dolphins and ocean creatures, that interest shouldn’t let people forget about dolphins and take them away from their natural habitats and ways. This film says that we can learn about the world around us while preserving its natural beauty and keeping it safe. Second, the movie has a great story with a great set of actors. It it something that will get the whole family to sit together in their living room, take in the movie and have a nice discussion about it afterward. The kids will love the dolphins,the teens can relate to the main star, the parents will like laughing at the dad’s first attempts at parenting and everyone will just love the scenes that show what the Bahamas has to offer. I think that a movie that can get my 16 year old brother’s attention and keep my dad awake is worth seeing.
Great film for Teens and Tweens
Author: J.R. Thompson from North Hollywood, CA
I took my 5 year old son to a festival screening of EYE OF THE DOLPHIN expecting a “family film”, but it actually turned out to have a lot more substance than I expected. My son was captivated by the beauty and the dolphins, but I think (especially since now I know the MPAA rating is PG13) the film aims for a slightly more mature audience. I could see this film being great for teens and tweens.
Performances in the film were pretty good. I mean how can you go wrong with an Oscar nominee (Katherine Ross) teaming with veteran actors like Jane Lynch, George Harris, and Adrian Dunbar. On top of that the young actress that played Alyssa did an excellent job as the troubled teen turned good and I’m sure that she is going to be very successful.
Overall my family enjoyed the film. I’d mostly recommend the film for parents to take their tweens and teens to (it might go over the heads of little kids).
Surprising and entertaining,
Author: djn214 from United States
I had absolutely no interest in seeing the film and only did so after I was able to get some promotional tickets. Though the story sells like a coming of age tale, it’s much better than that. The beginning is a bit cliché but once the story begins to take hold it becomes a unique and enjoyable film experience.
Carly Schroeder is a fun actress to watch. It will be interesting to watch her acting career develop in the next few years. George Harris and Christine Adams are wonderful and tend to steal the scenes without trying. Jane Lynch is always a welcome addition and adds some class to the whole film.
The story, though obviously geared towards younger girls does not discriminate against age or sex; it’s a fun film for anyone.