Review - Big Miracle

It's No Miracle, Big Miracle Works For Families

Big Miracle, Opens 2/3/12

Small town Alaska has big stories for a young reporter. Adam Carlson (John Krasinski) has just finished his riveting story on avocados in the far reaching part of the world. He’s off to get footage of an amazing snowmobile trickster who just drives in circles. But in the distance he sees and hears something a bit odd. Turns out there are three grey whales (Mom, Dad and Baby) that are stuck in the ice and can’t get home.

When he shoots what seems to be a novel public interest piece on these whales it gets picked up on a national level and becomes larger than life. It attracts the attention of Tom Brokaw and journalists across the continental US. Even up and coming reporter Jill Jerard (Kristen Bell), who Adam has a bit of a crush on, comes to the great northern reaches of Alaska to report on the story. Quite possibly the most interesting person who picks up on the story is Adam’s ex, Rachel (Drew Barrymore) who is an active Greenpeace member.

Now with a diverse group of individuals that includes reporters, native fisherman, Greenpeace, the US military and a large oil tycoon must work together to try to save these great beasts. Will they get them to safety in time?

Based on a true story that captivated America in 1988, Big Miracle tries to pull all the heartstrings during its runtime. And while it is effective in its storytelling, it seems to lack in its realism and attention to detail. Living in a cold weather climate, I know the effects of being outside, and when I see Drew Barrymore go under water in the icy below zero temps with exposed skin, I just cringe. It was an easy thing and should have been caught.

Though I’m picky about the attention to detail that was lacking, the story is a little gem. It’s a touching story that will grip families. Maybe not to the extent they are portrayed onscreen, but it is an attention grabber. Who doesn’t like whales? Right?

Krasiniski is likable in his role as Adam, but I didn’t totally by off on his relationship with Drew Barrymore’s Rachel. The fun in the film is with the small roles. The Stephen Root, Ted Danson, Tim Blake Nelson roles all packed a cool punch and really made things interesting.

Overall, take the family to Big Miracle – or at least gather everyone round when it comes to DVD or VOD. It’s a crowd pleasing movie that you will go out with a level of enjoyment and remind you why animal movies grab us as viewers.

C+

Big Miracle

Universal Pictures

Director: Ken Kwapis

Cast: John Krasinski, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Bell

Rating: PG for language.

Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes