I had the opportunity to see Turtle: The Incredible Journey today courtesy of SeaWorld marketing. This documentary definitely delivered on the 'Incredible' part of the title. The movie follows the perilous life of a baby loggerhead sea turtle from the moment she breaks from her egg through 21-years later.
SeaWorld Productions partnered with Emmy Award winning director, Nick Stringer, to provide dramatic visualization and a compelling story narrated by Miranda Richardson (aka Rita Skeeter from the Harry Potter films). True to SeaWorld's mission statement, the film dropped not-subtle messages of marine conservation. In addition, the film has a 3-D version, which provides complete immersion into the ocean world. Viewers find themselves holding their breath as the waves crash into the camera, but feel equally as comfortable as the variety of whales, dolphins, and fish swim through the blue abyss.
Why would anyone want to watch an 81-minute documentary about a turtle? Because you love marine life and you like a compelling story. I'm fairly certain the crew did not follow the same turtle around for 21-years, but that is not the point. The point is to connect with the 'character' and to feel the urge to clean up trash, sign a petition, and save the one ocean that we all have in common. The story goes beyond one turtle, it's a story about all the ocean animals and the challenges they all must face by mother nature alone. Then you add the human factor and survival is bleak.
Overall, I rate this movie as a B, as the content will not appeal to all crowds. However, if you're going to see it, see it on the big screen.
