The new IMAX movie at Arizona Mills, Whales and Dolphins 3D: Tribes of the Ocean, was enough to make 11-year-old Andi decide to change her major to oceanography, so she could do something to save the animals from extinction.
The 40-minute documentary narrated by Daryl Hannah takes you underwater with the surviving tribes of the ocean, like sperm whales, dolphins and belugas. They swim off the screen right into your lap, always a wonderful experience.
My favorite part was watching a Humpback whale mother her newborn calf for the first few days, pushing the baby to the surface every four minutes until it learned to do it on its own. My 9-year-old son, Sawyer, liked seeing the manatee in the warm waters of Florida, especially when its all vegetarian diet caused it to have on-screen flatulence that bubbles right at us.
We did leave the theater feeling a bit depressed. The animals are dying off because of pollution, climate change and human encroachment on their habits. It made us feel crummy to be human.
But the film closes with the edict that it’s not too late to save the whales and dolphins, and both kids took it to heart. Andi’s going to figure out how to save the dolphins. Sawyer will protect the manatees. What about the rest of the ocean animals? I asked. Andi looked at Sawyer and said, “We’d better save them all.”
Karina Bland is raising her 9-year-old son in Tempe with a lot of love, humor and support from her friends and family. A longtime journalist covering child welfare and education issues for The Arizona Republic, she blogs about raising good kids.
My kids loved watching
My kids loved watching it...we also previewed the other night with a bunch of radio contest winners.
It was like watching an electronic encyclopedia, with mini segments on each. Just enough info so the kids didn't get bored either.
Julia amazed me with what she already knew about whales and dolphins. When the screen for Beluga came up, she turned and said "That one is white, Mom." She was right. And she kept talking about how the Blue whale (not shown in this film) is much bigger than all of these.
Alex was mesmerized by the orca (killer whale). He so wants to go to Sea World - and soon. I think we need to go and make it an educational adventure.
The great thing about these films, aside from the 40 minutes, is they make your kids ask questions. And that's a good thing.
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
I can understand feeling
I can understand feeling depressed after a movie like that. It makes you feel like you belong under the sea and then the reality is that we humans are ruining it for them. Makes you want to jump in the water and save them all.
So, when are you headed to SeaWorld, Karina??
KarilouMomof2 is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Tempe. Her daughters are 9 and 6.
My 3 year old loves whales
My 3 year old loves whales and dolphins and the likes. Just wondering if maybe this movie might be a bit to complex for him at his age - I don't think he'll get the message. I'm sure he'd be fascinated by seeing the amazing filming - but these days I find him saying "what are they talking about mommy" as to determine what the story is about. Maybe in a few years I'll take him. Thanks for sharing - IMAX is the best!
LisaMommy is a discussion leader in Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area for arizonamoms.com. Her children are ages 5 months and 3.
Lisamommy, this may be the
Lisamommy, this may be the film for your 3-year-old. Unlike some other nature type movies this did not have the prey/predator thing going on and besides a threesome of frisky dolphins, no mating either. Don't get me wrong, I obviously have nothing against mating - sometimes, you just don't want to have to explain what's happening while all the people in the theater around you snicker. He'll be so engrossed by the 3-D aspects. It's really a beautiful film.
Karina Bland is raising her 9-year-old son in Tempe with a lot of love, humor and support from her friends and family. A longtime journalist covering child welfare and education issues for The Arizona Republic, she blogs about raising good kids.