Linkshoch Wonderful Movie

GrimPrecise I'll tell you why so serious

AshUnow This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Dana An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

eric262003 Inspired by actual event that occurred in 1988, "Big Miracle" deals with the great lengths people will go through to save whales who are in great danger. Set in the secluded fishing town of Barrow, Alaska, Anchorage reporter Adam Carlson (John Krasinski) is sent to investigate the troubled three gray whales, he feels this is a great opportunity that is surely going to attract the news. No sooner, reporters, journalist and all media outlets arrive on the scene including Los Angeles reporter Jill Gerard (Kristen Bell) look on as to wonder if the whales will survive or die.Rescuers like Greenpeace activist Rachel Kramer (Drew Barrymore) who is Adam's ex-lover leads a group of rescuers on the scene to help saves these giant sea mammals. While her no-nonsense determination isn't winning her any friends, the whales seem to be getting the bulk of the attention, especially in the realms of public relations. Such PR opportunists include oil tycoon J.W. McGraw (Ted Danson) who happens to be Rachel's rival, who joins in to help and to get a good PR deal. He lends his hovercraft over to the National Guard. Meanwhile Colonel Scott Boyer (Dermot Mulroney) can't get right onto the mission because of the Arctic air and several townsfolk gather to help whatever they can to keep the whales from dying.Krasinski is the perfect choice for the role as Adam with the guy-next-door charm and likability, but still his character doesn't fully live up due to the lack of depth which truly makes him underdeveloped. By way of contrast, Barrymore has more poise and energy as the busybody activist who both dedicated, but vulnerable in the situation and media attention she's getting. Though her performance and her familiar face in the Hollywood mainstream will likely take notice from her fans, it's a shame that the on-screen chemistry between Barrymore and Krasinski seem quite lacklustre.The ensemble sparks quite the myriad of familiar faces. Veteran performer Ted Danson if effective as the cantankerous oil tycoon, who later changes his ways is a welcome addition to the plot. In what appear to be a light take on rescue mission it's good to counterbalance that with a hard-nosed guy like J.W. McGraw into the mix. In addition to that it's quite refreshing we have an elderly performer involved in what appears to be a film centred around a cast that's predominately young. Kristen Bell as hotshot reporter does her usual thing by being spontaneous and cute, but has a great chemistry with Krasinski and hoped that they would become a couple.Dermot Mulroney has the smart looks and sympathetic heart as Col. Boyer,in spite of his hardcore military dedication that make him firm, but fair. The narration is spot on by relative newcomer Ahmaogak Sweeney whose Inuit background adds authenticity to the plot. In addition to that, his acting was no too shabby either.Though based off the novel by Thomas Rose, the script was penned by the duo of Jack Amiel and Michael Begler, they seem to have a knack of making family themed film and in "Big Miracle" we can feel that in in the cool Arctic air. Despite the concerning topic of saving troubled animals, the vibes feels a bit saccharine and light like a family comedy you would see on the Hallmark station. Sure we're introduced to the variety of characters and their backgrounds very nicely albeit cliched and fall into the trap of archetypes. I give credit to the writers for running the plot smoothly and never meanders and keeps the characters in tact in spite of the threads and huge ensemble.Once the story starts to settle, the plot remains intriguing as we anticipate the next scene. in hope that the hard work and effort, the rescuers try to save these poor whales (to those who never read the book). It's here where we find some interesting and fascinating traits about the story and the characters. Though they are archetypes, they are three-dimensional. And it's not all light and sugary as there is a dark scene that leave looking for a tissue box nearby.Director Ken Kwapis succeeds in bring many subplots and plenty of depth with the huge ensemble that never felt underused or bogged down. Sure it feels sugary sweet in tone, the heart and emotions will like grab at your heartstrings. The characters are likable with no major antagonist (except for the ice and the harsh weather). The pace is spot-on and vocal and special effects of the whales look authentic. If there's a critique the feel of the movie has TV movie feel to it.Though I like inspiring tales of how humans saving animals which brings great joy to me, "Big Miracle" left me with a satisfying aftertaste. It made appreciate humanity and all the good things its done in spite of the negative reputation we get at times. It will touch you in many places including the heart and mind and that's what counts most.

ratcat0 With absolutely no idea what this movie was going to be about it soon became a great movie with the basic theme that we are all animal lovers at heart. Its a shame that people cannot come to the aid of our own fellow human beings when the need arises. The devastating Tsunami in Indonesia saw millions in aid from Australia but when we cry out to the Indonesians to spare the lives of two of our own for being drug smugglers they turn a blind eye. Sure Drug smugglers and dealers are the worst but these two have done their time in Jail and show remorse for their actions. We need to treat each other the same way we would some stranded whales. Some reviewers have stated that Barrymore's character was a one sided character with little if any knowledge of these great animals but it only goes to show that she played the part well and made it seem all the more realistic. Worth seeing at least once.

gradyharp Sometimes it takes a film about the environmental crises to bring to the attention of the entire populace that not only MUST we do something about our bruising of our natural environment, but that when certain people take action it does indeed make a difference. This is a gently made film that gets its point across in a warmly entertaining way - and it is a true story!Thomas Rose' book FREEING THE WHALES forms the basis for this story, adapted for the screen by Jack Amiel and Michael Begler. Ken Kwapis directs. In brief summery (everyone knows this story by now), an animal-loving volunteer and a small-town news reporter are joined by a native Alaskan boy to rally an entire community - and eventually rival world superpowers - to save a family of majestic gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle.'The cast is a large one with some actors only appearing briefly but in roles that show their professional an also their emotional support for placing this subject before the public. In the lead roles are John Krasinski, Drew Barrymore, Ted Danson and Tim Blake Nelson, but the remainder of the cast includes Dermot Mulroney, Kathy Baker, Kristin Bell, James LeGros and a fine supporting cast of Inuit actors and others.The special effects are credible and deeply moving as the whales are released form their frozen captivity. The film adds much to the understanding of environmental problems and how multinational efforts are necessary to tame the destructive threats to the future of our globe. Grady Harp, January 13

Zrpb03 There are quite a few technical errors in this movie. Normally these may not take away from the story but in this case some did. Some were so ridiculous that they became a big distraction in the scene. When you see this you question the validity of the rest the movie.Actors that may have been good in other movies seem to struggle in this movie. Both overacting and under acting was evident throughout and in some places, "no acting". Many slow scenes, some were trying to convey a message but that was lost in the poor performances. Even though I think it was a poor movie for most adults, I think most kids might find it enjoyable.