22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Flipper gets a great start, September 2, 2001
I grew up watching the Flipper TV series and it was always one of my favorites, so I couldn't wait to see the original movie that's humbly called "Flipper." It shows how Flipper earned his name and how he met his best friend named Sandy.
I liked this movie, but I don't like it as much as I like "Flipper's New Adventure." You won't see Flipper make any rescues this first time around, and he doesn't have the same 'voice' as he has in the series, but you will see the smart dolphin do plenty of tricks and show that he had a huge brain even in his first outing.
If you've ever liked the TV series or even if you haven't ever seen it, but you like dolphins or just good movies, I recommend getting "Flipper." It'd probably be especially good for kids of any age to watch, and possibly a good family movie. To make it short, it'd be a good buy.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Basic family fare..., April 26, 2003
The original Flipper movie is simple, and unpretentious tale that tickles the heartstrings. The story line is uncomplicated, with touches that keep it grounded in reality.
Chuck Connors, best known for playing Lucas McCain on "The Rifleman" TV program, is once again cast as a strong father figure. Here he is Porter Ricks, a fisherman trying to eek out a living, and support his wife (Kathleen Maguire) and young son Sandy (Luke Halpin). Life is very hard, as after surviving a hurricane, Porter must leave his family to repair his boat damaged in the storm.
While his father is away, Sandy is exploring the sea with some friends. A dolphin (Flipper), is shot with a spear by another boy in the party. The shooter is himself injured, and is taken away for medical attention. Sandy returns to the scene, with shotgun in hand, prepared to put the injured dolphin out of it's misery. Of course that can't happen, and Sandy brings the injured dolphin home.
Flipper's recovery is a most miraculous one, but the real story deals with the relationship between father and son, and the growth of the young man. Sandy is a good kid, but not syrupy sweet. Ricks loves his son, but is determined to have him face the realities of life. Thanks to Flipper, both father and son learn some valuable lessons in life.
The story of Flipper's origin, has a more serious tone than the TV program. Though it doesn't have a lot of warm and fuzzy moments, it is still fairly good family entertainment.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
This is a great family movie., August 21, 1999
By A Customer
If you're looking for a wholesome adventure that the whole family can enjoy, then this is a good choice. The family portrayed here exhibits good family values--respect for each other and for authority, responsibility, and they even pray! I found nothing objectionable in this video for my 5-year-old and I'm not easy to please. I highly recommend this version over the more recent one.
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