Movie Review: Big Miracle
Big Miracle is based on the book, Freeing the Whales by Tom Rose, a true story that chronicles the entrapment of three whales in the icy waters of Alaska. The story, which claimed worldwide attention in 1988, seems like a fool-proof family-friendly film just itching to be made. Ultimately, however, Big Miracle is entertaining and charming enough but it’s still a small letdown.
The story starts in Point Barrow, Alaska, where up and coming reporter Adam Carlson (John Krasinski) is trying to make it big and get out of Alaska. Carlson is reporting trivial stories about the Eskimos, such as their love for Mexican cuisine. Quite by accident he comes across the story of his life. While filming something inconsequential, Adam stumbles on to three trapped California Gray whales. The locals (Eskimos, Inuit natives) name the whales, Fred, Wilma, and Bam Bam (an eight-month-old baby). The story soon goes national and reporters from all over the country are on fire for the media interest. This story could catapult Adam’s career to levels he hasn’t dared dream about. Best known for his role on television’s The Office and a smattering of film roles, Krasinski’s performance here is not that fantastic. He usually has a certain charm and subtle whit that is often very apparent, but that was missing in this film. Amongst the interested reporters is Jill Jerard (Kristen Bell), also an up-and-coming journalist that is making it to the big time very quickly. Meanwhile Adam’s ex-girlfriend Rachel Kramer (Drew Barrymore), an advocate for Greenpeace, is working feverishly to save the environment. Fighting a battle with oil mogul J.W. McGraw (Ted Danson), finds herself losing because, it’s all about money. When she gets knowledge of the three whales she heads to the North to see what she can do to help. Mr. McGraw is subtly coerced by his wife Ruth McGraw (Kathy Baker) to help free the whales, she makes him think it’s his idea to look like a would be environmentalist by using his resources to help the cause.
Back in Alaska, Adam is befriended by one of the local boys, the young Nathan (Ahmaogak Sweeney), Nathan has a desire to play with latest gadgets, and his new friend has his back providing him with the latest in Guns n’ Roses tapes, and batteries for his tape player. Remember, this is the 1980s and they are in a fairly desolate town in Alaska. Throughout the experience you see how the boy transforms from materialistic to learning what is really important in life.
Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski in “Big Miracle.” Photo by Darren Michaels – © 2012 Universal Studios. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
The locals start carving holes in the ice with chainsaws, leading the way to the ocean where the magnificent whales will be freed. These holes are necessary for the whales to come up for air. Problem is, at the end of the 5 miles of breathing holes is a gigantic ice blockade they cannot pass through. Originally, McGraw was going to use his ice breaking barge to break through the ice, pulled by helicopters operated by the National Guard, with Colonel Scott Boyer (Dermot Mulroney) as the pilot. Unfortunately this plan falls short. Consequently the Russians are called in with their mega ship to break the barrier. The Russians and the American military set their differences aside to try and free the whales.
Director Ken Kwapis, is best known for his work on Sesame Street and He’s Just Not That into You. Kwapis does a fine enough job with Big Miracle. Was I moved to tears? No. Did I leave feeling a new sense of unity with humanity? Not really. For me the film was just so so. All in all, Big Miracle is a family-friendly story that you will enjoy taking the kids to. The pros: excellent footage, great message, and a surprise visit from Sarah Palin. The cons: Drew Barrymore was typical, whiney, pouty, and mildly annoying.
Betsy Cizek
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