Takeaway: A glorious true story of teamwork, compassion, and nobility, Big Miracle is the perfect outing, family or otherwise ~ and plan on a bite to eat afterward for the animated discussion to follow. Were one to focus only on the effort itself, Big Miracle would be eminently engaging, but considering the attendant elements of ethics, stewardship, cultural tradition, politics, foreign relations, technological innovation, professional ambition, interpersonal relationship, life and death, devotion, and spirituality, and it becomes a must-see. All sides of every issue emerge naturally from the task at hand, affording viewers the opportunity without lecture to experience what drives each viewpoint, as well as observe people of radically different and adamantly held beliefs working cooperatively yet without compromising who they are. Finally, it even shows youngsters a wide range of professional possibilities that might inspire them, from environmental protection to broadcasting to military service to entrepreneurship. Or you know what, just pull for the whales and enjoy the movie. Big Miracle is a rich, life-affirming, must-see. (Note to parents and sensitive viewers: The opening sequence may seem a rough introduction, but it stops short in time and is necessary to the telling.)
Story: When a family of grey whales is discovered trapped under a rapidly advancing polar ice cap, a local reporter mobilizes to help it ~ and ends up joined by the world.
Genre: Drama, Family, True Story, Action/Adventure
Starring: Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski, John Pingayak, Ahmaogak Sweeney, Tim Blake Nelson, Ted Danson, Kristin Bell, Dermot Mulroney, Stephen Root, Kathy Baker, John Michael Higgins
Directed by: Ken Kwapis
See it if: You want to be thrilled and inspired, seek a fabulous illustration of collaboration despite ideological animosity (hello Congress), or want something that an entire group can gather around for fun and conversation that's light yet substantive.
Skip it if: You're a kiddo under, say, nine years old ~ the tiny tots became restless about halfway through, when to them it probably turned into a bunch of "grownups talking." Additionally, the whales might be a bit difficult to conceptualize, meaning there wasn't as much to keep them visually occupied to offset this effect, as in Dolphin Tale.
MPAA: PG
Running time: 107 minutes
Official site: http://www.everybodyloveswhales.com/
Houston release date: February 3, 2012
Tickets: Check Fandango.com or your local listings
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