Winter, a dolphin who is rescued after getting caught in a crab trap, has a severely damaged tail that eventually must be amputated. Despite round-the-clock care at the Clearwater Marine Hospital in Florida, the playful dolphin's prognosis is grim. Marine biologists doubted if she would survive, let alone swim again.

A determined boy named Sawyer (Nathan Gamble), a marine biologist (Harry Connick, Jr.), a prosthetics expert (Morgan Freeman) and a host of other characters help Winter defy these odds.

"I was really excited to see 'Dolphin Tale' because one of my sons has a disability, and I love inspirational, true stories about people overcoming challenges," said Jessica Pupillo, editorial director of St. Louis Sprout. "Winter plays herself in this film, and, frankly, she puts the professional, human talent to shame. Unfortunately, the acting left the film feeling campy and cliche instead of honest, emotional and real."

However, she said, it's still a powerful story for families with school-aged children to enjoy together.

"Dolphin Tale" is rated PG and is available in 3D.

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