Dolphin Tale (2011) was huge success for Warner Bros. Not in a massively commercial sense - it took $97 million - but critically, this was considered one of the finest, fun-filled movies in recent years and featured a lovely looking family cast including Harry Connick Jr, Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman.

Dolphin Tale'Dolphin Tale 2' continues where the original left off

It told the true story of brave dolphin Winter and a band of compassionate group of strangers who banded together to save her life after she is caught in a crab trap.  

Dolphin Tale 2 continues the story of Winter, whose recovery thanks to a ground-breaking prosthetic tail made her a symbol of hope and perseverance.  The movie thankfully reunites the entire main cast of the original - a key strength of the 2011 movie - and critics agree that, although this isn't as good as the original, it's still a hugely accomplished family movie. A rare thing in recent years.

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"It's wholesome, engaging and rife with impressive aquatic photography," said Ben Kenigsberg of the New York Times.

Ashley Judd Morgan Freeman Dolphin Tale 2Ashley Judd [L] and Morgan Freeman [R] in 'Dolphin Tale 2'

"There's some lovely underwater cinematography and a few dollops of suspense. But Dolphin Tale 2 is mostly an easy, breezy ride that will please younger audiences and their parents with its message of resilience and hope," wrote Bruce Demara of Toronto Star.

"Like its predecessor, Dolphin Tale 2 is a family-friendly story with a heart-warming and wise message of healing," said Claudia Puig of USA Today.

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"This sequel should entertain the youngsters while not boring and certainly not annoying any parents or other adults accompanying them," said Jim Judy of Screen It!

"A lovely family-friendly tale that amazingly carries on the story without losing any of its predecessor's charms," said John Hanlon of John Hanlon Reviews.

'Dolphin Tale 2' is out in theaters in the U.S. now.

Watch the trailer for 'Dolphin Tale 2':