Movie review: Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean

Another visual feast for fans of Imax.

Last update: October 10, 2008 - 5:34 PM

DOLPHINS AND WHALES 3D: TRIBES OF THE OCEAN

★★★ out of four stars

Not rated but suitable for all ages

Theater: Great Clips Imax

Beautifully shot, "Dolphins and Whales: Tribes of the Ocean" is a visual feast for adults and children alike. As usual in an Imax 3-D movie, there's no plot to speak of. Instead, the film is a visual catalog of 12 different undersea mammals in their environment, from the playful bottlenose dolphin to the short finned pilot whale to manatees.

Daryl Hannah's odd narration sounds either coquettish or drowsy, and lacks any real information other than, say, dolphins like to play catch. But I believe these films are meant to be a springboard to knowledge, encouraging children to head to their nearest library if they're so motivated. Parents will feel relaxed watching these creatures float about among the reeds and rocks, and the kids will gaze wide-eyed as the whales seemingly drift close enough to rub noses.

PETER SCHILLING