Other comments have covered how poorly this Disney made-for-tv cowflop reflects the thoughtful and emotional children's novel on which it was based. Keeping in mind that films and books are independent mediums, with different requirements for developing characters and advancing plotlines, it is sad to see how little care went into this piece.
Watch the dolphin sequences. They were obviously shot in a waterpark or aquarium, and then intercut with shots of the actors in the real sea. The water changes color from shot to shot. Clumsy. Much of the rest of the film follows suit, with bad dialogue and confusing action sequences.
Going back to the book as an adult, I am amazed that a novel aimed at young readers explored the topic of death with both directness and sensitivity. This film explores how cool it would be to have a boyfriend with a speedboat.
Watch the dolphin sequences. They were obviously shot in a waterpark or aquarium, and then intercut with shots of the actors in the real sea. The water changes color from shot to shot. Clumsy. Much of the rest of the film follows suit, with bad dialogue and confusing action sequences.
Going back to the book as an adult, I am amazed that a novel aimed at young readers explored the topic of death with both directness and sensitivity. This film explores how cool it would be to have a boyfriend with a speedboat.