Flipper

Last year (old review) Universal Studios released a remake of the television series "Flipper" in movie form. If you missed this movie, the story line had little to do with the old television show except that there was an intelligent dolphin named Flipper and the boy's name was Sandy. The film was not a smash hit, but many kids did see it, and those who enjoyed it will enjoy this CD-ROM. I was not impressed with the movie when we saw it on video and therefore the CD-ROM was equally mediocre in my opinion. This CD is recommended for kids ages four to nine which I feel is a mistake. "Flipper" is more appropriate for kids ages six or seven to ten. The movie was rated PG and much of the story will be over the heads of a four year old.

This interactive storybook follows the adventures of a boy named Sandy who is sent to live with his uncle due to his persistent rebellion. All he wants to do is return to Chicago to see a big concert, but he must spend the summer learning about fishing and the ocean with a rather eccentric uncle. In the process, Sandy meets a friendly dolphin named Flipper who helps Sandy save the fishing industry by capturing an evil man who persists on dumping toxic chemicals and overfishing the area. The CD does not contain language which would indicate a PG rating, but it is based on a PG rated film. Comments such as "bait, my butt" a swordfish poking a man in the rear and Sandy vomiting over the edge of the boat may be offensive to some parents. I felt the whole tone of the program was more appropriate for older elementary aged children.

Each page contains text which is read aloud but again is more appropriate for upper middle and upper elementary aged children. Several hot spots on each page allow your child to click and find animated surprises. There are not too many hot spots and they are not as impressive as with some other storybook programs. Many video clips from the movie are included and I must say these are splendid. If you liked the movie, these are some of the best quality and longest video clips I have seen on any program to date. On several pages your child will see an octopus at the bottom of the page. Click here and he will be taken to an article dealing with overfishing, pollution, hurricanes or marine animals. These are read aloud, but the text is definitely geared to older elementary aged children and most four to six year olds will quickly leave this area. The articles are interesting and worthwhile however for older children.

Four activities are included with the program. Some of these require a printer as the activities are completed independent of the computer. A coloring activity allows you and your child to print out pages from the story which can be colored and compiled into a book. A matching activity is a basic Concentration game with twenty squares....to many again for four year olds. Jigsaw puzzles contain twenty pieces as well and would be enjoyed most by older children. These puzzles are screen shots from the program. The fishing village is the most involved activity. Here your child will be given templates to print out, color and construct. When he has finished he will have an entire fishing village. This activity will take parental involvement.

"Flipper" is a average program based on an average film. If you liked the movie, the program will contain enough fun to satisfy your family. I would suggest seeing the video first and deciding if the premise of the story is even of interest to your children.

Flipper Grading:

Educational value- 2 1/2
Entertainment value- 2 1/2
Use of medium- 3
Dollar value- 3
Age- 7-10 in my opinion, 4-9 according to the company

Sorry this program is no longer available.