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

Review - Something Borrowed

Borrowing A Laugh


Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Darcy (Kate Hudson) have been friends forever. They’ve grown up together and were virtually inseparable. Rachel is the quiet, understated one while Darcy is the party girl.


While Rachel was going through law school she met Dex (Colin Egglesfield). Dex is the All-American boy. He’s got the perfect smile is smart and is everything you could want in a man. Dex and Rachel studied together and became close, but when it came time to Rachel telling her how she felt, she just introduced Dex to Darcy.


Fast forward years and Darcy and Dex are ready to become man and wife. After celebrating Rachel’s 30th birthday she finally owns up to her feelings for Dex. But it just may be me too late. Now Rachel, Darcy, Dex and even their friend Ethan (John Krasinski) must figure out who is feeling what and for whom.


This is a bit of a wacky tale that has some fun moments. Although you might expect a straightforward plot that you’ve seen time and time again, this does take the occasional chance to do something a bit different.


Ginnifer Goodwin is sweet and likeable, even as her character is using some questionable judgment. Kate Hudson is just ok as Darcy, more often than not I didn’t feel her character though. The real nice supporting role in the film comes from John Krasiniski. Every time he’s onscreen, things just feel right.


Something Borrowed may try to borrow a laugh or two from you along the way, but that’s about all that you’ll be willing to give it.


B- / C+


Something Borrowed
Warner Brothers Pictures


Director: Luke Greenfield
Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, John Krasinski, Colin Egglesfield


Rating: PG-13 for sexual content including dialogue, and some drug material.
Runtime: 1 hour and 43 minutes