Produced by the Alcon Entertainment, the movie studio that made The Blind Side, the family-friendly movie tells the story of 11-year-old Sawyer who rescues a beached dolphin named Winter that was caught in a fisherman's trap in Florida, forming a unique connection with the animal.

Starring Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd and Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, Dolphin Tale was a suprise hit, making $70 million in the box office when it was released in more than 3,500 theaters in September, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com.

Rated PG for some mild thematic elements, the film—suitable for children—was marketed to the faith-based community, especially home school group screenings. Connick portrays Dr. Clay Haskett, an animal doctor and a Christian in real life who runs the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Fla.

The movie received positive reviews. "Adversity abounds on both land and sea in a well-meaning if stridently heart-tugging film about overcoming challenges," the Los Angeles Times observed. Christianity Today magazine added: "Though overly schmaltzy, this is still a cute and inspiring true story for the whole family." MovieGuide magazine said that the movie "respects life and extols intelligent design." Focus on the Family's Pluggedin.com said noted that "it's one of those rare movies families can have fun wading through without fear of stepping on some sharp junk hidden just beneath the surface."

The single disc DVD retails for $28.99. Click here for more information on Dolphin Tale.

Seven Days in Utopia

The sports drama about a struggling young professional golfer who discovers the difference between success and significance made $4.3 million in the box office when it was released in 561 theaters in September, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com.

In August, Zondervan released a movie tie-in edition to the film—which stars Academy Award-winners Robert Duvall and Melissa Leo. Cook was one of the screenwriters of the movie.

In the film, Texas golfer Luke Chisholm (Lucas Black) drops out of the sport after being publicly humiliated during a tournament. When Chisholm unexpectedly gets stranded in Utopia, Texas for a week, he meets an eccentric rancher and former professional golfer Johnny Crawford (Duvall) who teaches him not only about a better swing, but a better way of life.

The G-rated film was heavily marketed to the faith-based community, especially pastors' screenings. The producers created a grassroots campaign, which includes a ministry resource site.

The movie received some mixed reviews. "While corny at times, this sports drama is sure to find a welcoming audience with its down-home Christian message," The Hollywood Reporter observed. "An otherwise cornball, inspirational tale about finding God through golf, Seven Days in Utopia must be given full credit for coming up with something new in movies: To learn what happens at the end, you've got to go online."

The Orlando Sentinel noted that the film "treats its subject as if it's a tap-in for par, and thus, most of the best clubs were left in the bag." Variety added that the movie was "little more than a pleasantly passable Christian sports parable delivered as a sort of Texan golfer's version of The Karate Kid."

The DVD retails for $28.99. Click here for more information on Seven Days in Utopia.

Mark Hall, lead singer of top Christian band Casting Crowns, talked with Christian Retailing about the band's October 2011 release from Beach Street Records, Come to the Well. Listen in as Managing Editor Christine Johnson talks with Hall about songs such as the theme for the new movie Courageous as well as Hall's favorite on the release, "Already There."

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