If you want to see a "feel good" movie you have to watch Dolphin Tale. It's inspired by the true story of Winter, a dolphin who got caught in a crab trap and rescued by the Clearwater Marine Rescue facility that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases animals in Florida. Unfortunately, Winter's tail was too infected so it had to be amputated. She is now the star at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

We all know that dolphins need their tails to swim, right? So how was Winter going to survive without her tail? Miraculously she figured out a way to swim by swishing her body from side to side, but by doing that she was damaging her spinal column and was in danger of becoming paralyzed. So, with the help of some imaginative and very caring humans, Winter was outfitted with a prosthetic tail to which she was able to adapt and she regained her ability to swim like she was intended to.

Dolphin Tale stars Nathan Gamble as Sawyer, a young boy who was quiet, lonely, and a social outcast - until he became involved with a young dolphin who had been injured and washed ashore. The mammal was rescued by Dr. Clay Haskett (Harry Connick, Jr.) and the gang from the Clearwater Marine Rescue facility. She was named "Winter" by Haskett's daughter Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff). 

Sawyer's mother (Ashley Judd) notices the change in her son and realizes that Sawyer has become an engaged boy and is enjoying his life once again. This is quite a turn-around from the once sulking young kid. It is Sawyer to whom Winter responds, and the bond between dolphin and boy grows strong.

When Winter's fate is in jeopardy, Sawyer enlists the aid of Dr. McCarthy (Morgan Freeman), a renowned doctor who specializes in prosthetics and rehabilitation. McCarthy and his colleagues devise a new dolphin tail for Winter, and the rest is history.

The story and movie are wonderful. This is definitely a movie for the whole family. Yes, it is a bit sad because Winter does encounter a tragedy, but the fact that Sawyer and his friends pulled together to save the dolphin's life is inspiring and delightful to watch.

Kris Kristofferson also stars as Haskett's father. This is an amazing cast that really brings viewers into the story and delivers a memorable tale filled with love, inspiration, and heart. And Winter plays herself in the film, which makes it that much more fascinating to watch.

The opening sequence in Dolphin Tale is beautiful as dolphins are seen swimming and playing in the ocean. A bonus feature dissects this delightful scene, detailing how the filmmakers combined actual underwater footage with CGI dolphins. There is a behind-the-scenes featurette and more bonuses on the combo pack.

While I initially had trepidations about watching this movie, as I really don't like seeing harm come to animals, I am so glad I saw it. Dolphin Tale is filled with heart and provides a memorable movie experience for young and old. 

For more information about Winter and to view her via the webcam, go to www.seewinter.com.