Watch Flipper

Flipper is a 1996 movie directed by Alan Shapiro, based on the novel of the same name by Ricou Browning and Jack Cowden. The movie stars Paul Hogan, Elijah Wood, Jonathan Banks, and Jessica Wesson. The film follows the story of Sandy Ricks (Elijah Wood), a city boy who is sent to spend the summer with his uncle Porter Ricks (Paul Hogan) at Coral Key, a small fishing island in the Florida Keys. While fishing with Porter, Sandy catches a dolphin he names Flipper. Sandy and Flipper develop a deep bond and become inseparable friends. But their adventures expose them to danger and violence as they encounter illegal fishing practices and harsh weather conditions.

The movie's plot revolves around Sandy's experiences in the coastal town, where he has to adjust to a new lifestyle away from technology and the city. The first scenes of the movie show Sandy struggling with his father, who is too busy working to spend quality time with him. After crashing his father's car, Sandy is sent to stay with his uncle, who is a Ranger in charge of enforcing the fishing and maritime laws in the area.

At first, Sandy is bored with the simplistic life in Coral Key, where people live in harmony with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of being near the water. However, when he meets Flipper, a preternaturally intelligent and friendly dolphin, things start to change. Sandy and Flipper form an instant bond, and the movie's storyline shifts to focus on their relationship.

As the two become friends, they embark on adventures across the ocean, where they encounter all manner of creatures, both dangerous and benign. As they explore, they come into contact with illegal fishing boats that use dynamite to kill large numbers of fish at once. Sandy and Flipper set out to stop these activities, but it puts them in grave danger.

Meanwhile, Sandy's uncle Porter has a different problem to deal with: a notorious gangster named Dirk Moran (Jonathan Banks) has set his sights on Coral Key for his latest illegal activities. Porter tries to stop Dirk and his henchmen, but they are outnumbered and outmatched. It is only when Sandy and Flipper come up with a plan to trap the bad guys that the tide turns in their favor.

The movie also touches on the themes of family, friendship, and environmental conservation. Sandy's strained relationship with his father is implied as one of the reasons why he is sent to Coral Key. But as he spends time with his uncle and Flipper, Sandy realizes the importance of having strong bonds with family and friends. Additionally, the movie highlights the need to protect marine ecosystems and wildlife from harm, both natural and man-made.

The movie's cinematography showcases the beauty of the Florida Keys and its marine life. Scenes of Flipper swimming under the ocean, alongside oceanic creatures such as sharks and jellyfish, are visually stunning. The soundtrack features catchy tunes and lively music that complements the movie's mood.

In conclusion, Flipper is a feel-good movie that delivers a heartwarming story of friendship and adventure. The performances of the lead actors, Elijah Wood and Paul Hogan, are excellent, and they bring their characters to life. The movie's themes are relevant today as they were in 1996, and they raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine life and protecting the environment. Whether you are a fan of marine life or just looking for a fun and uplifting movie, Flipper is an excellent choice.

Flipper is a 1996 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3 and a MetaScore of 43.