After the disappearance of his father nearly a year prior, Delphi the dolphin is left to find his own way in Fish Town. He and his best friend, Zeb, are constantly discovering new places to explore—they find numerous magical objects, yet no one believes they are actually real. When Delphi and Zeb discover a magic arch that can transform them into whatever they want to become, they race to tell the mayor, Octavian. They soon notice that their enemies, the Moray eels, had overheard their discussions about the arch and have decided to use it to take over Fish Town. Octavian’s daughter, Mia, is the only one who believes Delphi when he presents the problem to them. Her fiancé, Alpha, is more concerned with the fact that Delphi didn’t know the password to enter the mayor’s home than he is with any present danger. As the story progresses, Delphi and Zed must race against time to save Fish Town and must also save Mia after she tries to rectify the situation on her own.
Sea Level 2: Magic Arch is well written and funny, but it does contain some negative elements that parents should be aware of. Parents should note that the whole film references magic, including a mention of “dolphin gods.” Delphi, Zeb, and Mia are intent on saving Fish Town, but everyone else seems to have a negative agenda. The Moray eels are constantly belittling and making fun of each other. Alpha makes numerous references that imply superiority over Mia. Mia does, however, realize that she does not want to be with him in an uplifting scene at the end of the film.
While the film itself is well done, there are some scenes in which the background is not completed, and it is clear that there is more work to be done. Other than this, the setting and the scripting are great. The characters are believable to an extent, and the audio is clear. Sea Level 2: Magic Arch is predictable, but it is also very entertaining and keeps viewers wanting to see what happens next.
The movie itself is very educational. Viewers learn about different deep-sea species through a very well executed setting. Little tidbits of information are sprinkled throughout the movie—for example, at one-point Octavian, who is an octopus, says, “You know I care about Fish Town with all three hearts.” This quote teaches viewers that octopi have not one, but three hearts.
Overall, Sea Level 2: Magic Arch is a good movie that will keep viewers entertained, but parents should be sure to address the negative elements with their kids in order to ensure they are aware of the harm that bullying can cause.
Sea Level 2: Magic Arch is Dove-approved for Ages 12+.
The Dove Take:
While Sea Level 2: Magic Arch is an entertaining film for ages 12+, parents should be warned of constant bickering between Delphi and Alpha, and others.
