CLIPS MOVIE REVIEWS

by Roger Tennis

On CLIPS In February, 2012

BIG MIRACLE

Inspired by a true story, a campaign to save a family of gray whales trapped in the Arctic Circle is depicted in this Ken Kwapis directed film starring Drew Barrymore.

TRIVIA: Ken Kwapis directed Drew Barrymore in which 2009 theatrical feature?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
      (3 CAMS)        RATED PG

Looking to escape the northern tip of Alaska for a larger television market, news reporter Adam Carlson (John Krasinski) gets his big break when a family of gray whales becomes trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle. When the world begins to focus on these endangered animals, Adam faces competition and his ex-girlfriend/ outspoken environmentalist Rachel Kramer (Drew Barrymore). With time running out, nations unite during the Cold War to try and save the whales. Based on Thomas Rose's book "Freeing the Whales", "Big Miracle" is a mildly entertaining family film that works well when the spotlight is on the remarkable true story of the 1988 rescue attempt to save the mother, father and baby. But the movie begins to falter when hints of romance are added - most notably between Adam, Rachel and network reporter Jill Jerard (Kristen Bell). Director Ken Kwapis manages to keep the subplots to a minimum while providing some truly heart-tugging moments with the mammals. Many familiar faces show up in a supporting cast that includes Ted Danson, Kathy Baker, Tim Blake Nelson and Dermot Mulroney (taking a break from fending off wolves in "The Grey"). To help kids relate, Ahmaogak Sweeney plays a young Inuit native boy who befriends Adam and aids in the rescue. If you're fishing for a wholesome history lesson, "Big Miracle" provides a whale of a tale.