STARS: 1 out of 5

Usually, a theatrical sequel comes to films people have heard of.

This does not mean the film has to be universally loved. Many terrible films are given terrible sequels.

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But for the most part, even those films do not turn people’s heads in surprise when a sequel is announced.

“Dolphin Tale” is an exception to this rule.

The original film is one that very few people have heard of, but enough saw to warrant a sequel.

“Dolphin Tale 2” (Rated PG; 107 mins), much like its predecessor, is a forgettable film.

“Dolphin Tale 2” is a family film directed by Charles Martin Smith and stars Harry Connick Jr., Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Nathan Gamble.

The team who saved Winter in the original have found themselves in another bind. When Winter’s surrogate mother dies, the team finds themselves rushing to find another dolphin to pair her with. When a partner is found, it is a race against time to make sure Winter and her companion are compatible.

When it comes to family films, there tend to be two kinds.

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The first are films targeted for younger audiences, but created so that those of an older age will be entertained. Pixar, Disney and Dreamworks movies are some of the leading examples of these.

The other type of film is strictly for kids.

For what it is, “Dolphin Tale 2” is not a terrible film. It is a movie you can sit your five year old down in front of, and he or she will be entertained.

However, the film never reaches beyond that point. It is never anything more than just something to distract or entertain children while their parents are busy doing something, which is disappointing, because the film has potential.

No one is saying the film is one step from being amazing. It is nowhere on the radar of films like “Up” or “The Goonies,” but the film could have been something more if it just aspired a little bit.

There is no emotional drive to this film. While things happen that are supposed to warrant an emotional response, they are quickly pushed under the rug for another shot of a turtle on the beach.

Everything from Sawyer (Gamble) having to decide whether to leave everything he knows and loves at the end of the summer for an opportunity of a lifetime, to Hazel (Zuehlsdorff) having to deal with her relationship with her father and Sawyer are all handled way too quickly to come close to grabbing you.

This film wastes what little talent it has.

While the triple threat of Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr and Kris Kristoffeson have been doing direct-to-DVD films for some time now, Morgan Freeman is still a renowned actor.

Freeman only has two to three scenes in this movie, yet is still atop billing.

While this film is a good distraction for young children, it is torture to pay for and sit through in a theater. Wait until it comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray to show your kid. Or, just show them a great Pixar movie. That option seems a lot better.

Jacob Pierce can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @JacobPierce1_DE