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Flipper is the story of Sandy Ricks (Elijah Wood), a bitter teen from Chicago forced to spend a summer in the Florida Keys with his fisherman uncle, Porter (Paul Hogan), whose carefree island lifestyle resembles something out of a Jimmy Buffet song. The strong-willed pair butt heads until an orphaned dolphin gives them reason to pool their energies on its behalf.
Rated PG, this film targets the children and pre-teens who earned Free Willy a sequel. And, by reviving a 1960s television icon young viewers aren't old enough to remember, it's clear filmmakers also want to attract parents by offering them a nostalgic swim with a character from their youth. But what's lurking beneath the surface?
Flipper dvd cover
Parents will appreciate themes such as friendship, loyalty and learning to make commitments to others. And when Porter finds Sandy chewing on one of his cigars, he teaches him how sickening smoking can be, though some adults will disapprove of his methods. He also tells the boy, "You've gotta learn to take responsibility for your actions." The film shows restraint in vanquishing its villain, and Sandy bids his "girlfriend" farewell with just a modest hug.
However, fishy predators share these cinematic waters. A party boat of fishermen and Porter's pet pelican guzzle beer. There are several uses of mild profanity, including Porter's girlfriend calling him a "smart a--." And then there's Sandy. Cranky and disrespectful, he carries a chip on his shoulder through most of the movie. He whines about having to miss a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert, and constantly wears t-shirts promoting that problematic band, as well as Smashing Pumpkins and Soul Asylum (which, based on his rude disposition, should be no surprise). Although he eventually softens, Sandy never apologizes for his attitude or shows signs of regret.
Also, young children may be shocked when Flipper's mother is shot and killed, or by the hammerhead shark that devours a seagull and, later, threatens Sandy. Even if Flipper makes a splash with mainstream audiences, discerning parents should be careful not to let youngsters get in over their heads. As calculating as Hollywood is in making and releasing summer films, families must be equally calculating in deciding which ones to attend.
United
States, 1996 Cast:
Paul Hogan, Elijah Wood, Chelsea Field, Jonathan Banks, Isaac
Hayes, Jessica Wesson, Jason Fuchs Saving dolphins is good. Dumping toxic waste in the ocean is bad. Those are the two fundamental messages hammered home by the latest lamebrained incarnation of Flipper, a movie that has a lot of good intentions, but very little else. This most recent in the series of neverending variations on the Lassie storyline might serve as adequate entertainment for undiscriminating children, but, for many unsympathetic adults, it may seem a waste of time and money.
Once, when Crocodile Dundee topped the box office charts, Paul Hogan was as hot as could be. Now, ten years and several failed pictures later, his pulling power has fallen considerably. Unhappily for the Australian star, his performance here isn't likely to appreciably increase his draw. Although, full marks to Paul for taking on the part. Unfortunately Flipper could have been better and the addition of Paul Hogan doesn't redeem the film.
Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski
Based on the 1963 movie which spawned a television series, Flipper has all the formula ingredients that saturate '90s family films. It's a cloying mixture that threatens a cuteness overdose. There isn't a moment of originality in this movie, which follows a routine path from start to finish. Like the whale in the far better Free Willy, the animal steals the show. Unfortunately, Flipper doesn't have a whole lot to do except swim around and execute leaps. The two-legged landlubbers get most of the screen time, and they're pretty uninteresting. There's Sandy Ricks (North's Elijah Wood), the son of a broken marriage who's sent to spend a summer in the Florida Keys living with his uncle, Porter (Hogan). Initially, the two don't get along well -- Sandy is surly and doesn't take kindly to his uncle's lessons of responsibility. Then Flipper shows up, giving Sandy something to care about other than himself. The dolphin also gets him a girlfriend and helps uncover the dastardly deep sea waste dumping of a nasty fisherman (Jonathan Banks).
About the only worthwhile thing Flipper offers is some decent underwater photography, but those in search of these kinds of marine views would do better checking out a National Geographic special on PBS. The film is intended to appeal to the under-12 crowd, but I have a hard time recommending it even for them. Flipper is calculated, market-driven entertainment -- recycled formulas staking out the early summer family film niche in hopes of making money. With better children's fare on the way, including the inevitable new animated feature from Disney, it's a good idea to throw this one back.
Flipper the dolphin
WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT? They're too young to remember the TV series, but Elijah Wood is becoming a teen heart throb and Paul Hogan will alway be remembered for "Crocodile Dundee," so there will be some draw there. In addition, the "Free Willy"-like story will have the kids wanting to see this one.
Director: Alan
Shapiro Format: Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC Rated: PG Studio: Universal Studios Video Release Date: June 9, 1998 VHS Features:
From IMDb: Quotes & Trivia ASIN: 0783220251 Other Formats: VHS,
DVD
widescreen Average Customer Review:
**** Based on 22 reviews. Amazon.com Sales Rank in Video:
#66,148
Flippin
good! A splash of fun!, December 7, 2004 I really enjoyed this movie! It's very cute and quite funny
in places, has decent acting and of course the dolphin is simply
delightful!
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