Rated PG for mild language and thematic elements

By Patrick Sessoms
BEACON COLUMNIST

posted Feb 10, 2012 - 6:14:04pm

There’s something to be said about expectations with it comes to modern movies, especially considering the importance of trailers. And the trailer for Big Miracle certainly left something to be desired. So, it was a pleasant surprise to discover that, despite being incredibly flat, the film was actually quite enjoyable.

That isn’t to say it's a work of art: The storytelling is a little scattered, but because it sets its sights on the heart strings, Big Miracle has a few nice moments before it’s done with the audience. That being said, this flick is almost too ridiculous to believe it’s based on a true story.

Big Miracle is made up of a cast full easily recognizable actors, but they aren’t quite A-list enough to distract from the film itself. Well, save for Drew Barrymore, who plays tenacious Greenpeace advocate Rachel Kramer. While her character is certainly enthusiastic about rescuing the trapped whales at the center of this story, she quickly becomes too obnoxious for the good of her cause. Opposite of her is reporter Adam Carlson (Jim Krasinski), who breaks the story about the three whales that face a slow and painful death unless action is taken.

Of course, in the midst of Cold War, this heart-wrenching story captures the attention of the world, and soon the small town of Barrow, Alaska finds itself crawling with reporters (including Kristen Bell). However, it becomes apparent that saving these whales is much more difficult than anyone anticipated when the elements turn against the rescue effort.

There’s something to be said about a family film that can actually be enjoyed by the whole family. Big Miracle doesn’t have any real depth to it, but director Ken Kwapis is no stranger to shallow material, and he hits the nail on the head. He embraces the Disney-esque aspect behind the movie, and instead of pushing the envelope he decides to treat it as exactly what it is: a good time at the movies for parents and kids alike. It’s not art for art’s sake; it’s a story meant for pure entertainment, and he tells it in just the right way. It doesn’t hurt that he has the likes of Ted Danson, Tim Blake Nelson and Stephen Root making appearances. Despite Barrymore's best efforts to get completely under the audience's collective skin, and Krasinski’s signature aloofness, Big Miracle is an embarrassingly touching film. It plays on universal themes that seem to drag audiences in and will have everyone hoping beyond hope that the whales survive.

While Big Miracle isn’t likely to stand the test of time, it’s a worthwhile one to take the little ones to see. This is especially true because it rises above the childish levels of humor that can be seen in so many kid-friendly films these days. Sometimes, it all comes down to simply telling a story, no matter how many clichés or teary-eyed moments it might have. Overall, this is a fairly standard movie, but it pulls itself together every so often, and that’s what makes this a little more than just another family film.

Stars & Popcorn grade: 3 stars, 3 1/2 popcorn

— Born and raised in the sunshine state, Patrick grew up loving movies. He’s currently attending the University of Central Florida and is a Cinema Studies major. Along with being the president of Stars and Popcorn, he’s a player in the independent comics scene.

Sponsored by Liebe Entertainment Group, Marketplace 8. Click here to see showtimes for Big Miracle

Visit Stars and Popcorn at www.starsandpopcorn.com

— info@beacononlinenews.com

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