big-miracle This is a solid film and one that is worth checking out.

I am not sure what I was up to in 1988 that I missed Operation Breakthrough; the effort to free gray whales trapped under the ice in Alaska. I don’t even recall the 1989 book Freeing the Whalesby Tom Rose which covered the event. But it will be a long time before I forget the new, heart moving, family film,I am not sure what I was up to in 1988 that I missed Operation Breakthrough; the effort to free gray whales trapped under the ice in Alaska. I don’t even recall the 1989 book Freeing the Whales by Tom Rose which covered the event. But it will be a long time before I forget the new, heart moving, family film, Big Miracle which also tells this amazing story of the people who joined forces and put aside differences in order to save some wonderful mammals.

While covering human interest stories in Alaska, reporter Adam Carlson (John Krasinski) discovers a family of whales trapped under the ice. They are living around an uncovered area about 12 feet in diameter and using it as a way to come up for air. The 5 mile stretch of solid ice leading to open water is too far a distance for them to travel with no way to come up. Once the news story breaks nation-wide, thanks to coverage by The Today Show, everyone from a Greenpeace advocate (Drew Barrymore) to an oil drilling tycoon (Ted Danson) are interested in how to break through the ice and free these creatures.

This is a wonderful story with real characters. It is full of drama, humor, and edge of your seat anticipation. The Cineplex is constantly bombarded with animal stories but this one seemed deeper than most. The story is solidly written and moves along nicely. It doesn’t rely on kitschy lines and sophomoric anecdotes but gives each character something to sink their teeth into. The funny parts are genuinely funny and the heart pounding moments really do sock you in the gut. Plus for those who remember the late 80’s it is a nice revisit to some of the culture of that time period.

Danson is very good as this business focused oil drilling industrialist who at first wants nothing to do with the tragedy. He is at constant war with Barrymore’s character who is as tree hugging as they get. The two must find common ground in which to work together. Adam Carlson is thrown into the limelight pretty fast and has to play liaison between the locals and the converging media attention. Krasinski is the same as he is in every film. That isn’t necessarily bad. He is quite brilliant at playing the average “Joe”. His wit and timing have always been his strong points and he can make even the lightest line enjoyable.

Big Miracle is rated PG for language. It is very mild with only a few light expletives sprinkled in. The peril of the animals may be another factor that parents take in to consideration for their young family members. Being a true story nothing is candy coated and you are on the edge of your seat as the situation becomes more dismal. There are many notable bonding moments in the film as well. Not only does it bring countries and opposing forces together for one common good but there are other smaller stories in it as well. Cultures have to learn to understand each other and even generations must come to terms with changing environment as an elderly Eskimo fisherman tries to teach his grandson the ways of their past. I give it a very firm 4 out of 5 sheets of cardboard. This has something for the entire family to grab on to and is certainly not just a kid’s film. Don’t let the PG rating full you. This is a solid film and one that is worth checking out.

Review copyright 2012 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.

4tocks