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.
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.
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
Latest posts by Betsy Cizek (see all)
- The Top 10 Romance Movies of All Time - February 13, 2013
- Interview with Jason Biggs and Eddie Kaye Thomas, stars of American Reunion - April 5, 2012
- Interview with Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, writers/directors of American Reunion - April 4, 2012