SPLASH, TOO

US, 1988, 90 minutes, Colour.
Todd Waring, Amy Yasbeck, Donovan Scott, Rita Taggart.
Directed by Greg Antonacci.

Splash, Too is an engaging, if very mild, sequel to the success, Splash. Gone are Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah and John Candy, and television stars are in their place. This telemovie begins where the original ended. There is some amusement at the picture of Madison, the mermaid, who develops fins and a tail when her legs get wet. She is also very literal-minded - which makes for some nice plays on words and some ambiguity in responses. The hero and his brother run a business, get involved in making deals - and the big businessmen with whom they are linked is interested in aquarium which is doing experiments on dolphins. The scriptwriters must have read Turtle Beach - because the main focus of the end of the film is the rescue of the dolphin and his being released back into the sea.

Some points are made about marriage, interests, jobs - all in a mild Disney telemovie manner.

1. The popularity of the original film? The value of a sequel - without the original stars?

2. Disney production values, the island, the city, homes, the aquarium? The action sequences? Special effects? Musical score?

3. The title and the reference to the original? As a sequel? The spirit of the original?

4. Madison and Alan, on their island? Idyllic life, Madison swimming, Alan in love? His pining for an interest, a job? Madison and her ability to see at a distance? Their watching Freddie and his difficulties? The decision to go back to the city? Alan and his helping Freddie, the meeting with Karl? The finding of the house - in a dilapidated state? Their restoring it? Alan and the satisfaction of working with Freddie? Madison at home trying to be domesticated? The visit of Fern, their friendship? Going shopping, sharing - even when Madison was being very literal? The nosey next-door neighbour and her intrusions and puzzles? Progress - Alan becoming involved, neglecting Madison? Madison trying her best at the socials? The encounter with the scientist, the discovery of Salty the dolphin, Madison communicating with him? The need for rescue? Alan and his not being able to understand?

5. Freddie, hopeless by himself, supported by Alan? The work, the socials?

6. Karl and Fern, friendly, business, society, socials? The aquarium? Fern and her helping with Salty?

7. The scientist, suspicions of Madison? His experiments? His dominating his assistant? The attack on Fern and Madison? His plans, the taking of the dolphin? His assistant turning against him? His comeuppance?
8. The rescue of Salty, going to the sea - and the reunion of the dolphins? Alan and Madison making up? Her trying again?

9. Popular characters, humorous interactions - all at a wide television audience level?