Flipper (1996)

	Director: Alan Shapiro	COUNTRY USA Genre Drama/Children's NORWEGIAN TITLE Flipper RUNNING TIME 95 minutes
	Producer: James J. McNamara Perry Katz
	Screenwriter: Alan Shapiro

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Sandy Ricks	Elijah Wood	½
Uncle Porter	Paul Hogan
Dirk Moran	Jonathan Banks	-
Cathy Simms	Chelsea Field	-
Kim	Jessica Wesson	-
Sheriff Buck Cowan	Isaac Hayes	-

Review

This reboot of the story about Hollywood's favourite dolphin Flipper obviously tries to capitalize on the success of the Free Willy movies. Unfortunately, as written and directed by Alan Shapiro, this version has little more than cliches and a good heart to offer. The script is just as predictable and unfresh as one might fear going in. The film is notable for being the first teenage-role for Elijah Wood, who has arguably been the most talented child actor of the 1990s so far. He does well, has a few fine moments, and will probably continue to develop into a very good adult actor. As his uncle Porter, Paul 'Crocodile Dundee' Hogan gives a fine performance. The scenes between these two are the film's best asset and save it from flopping. Or flipping?