GazerRise Fantastic!

Taraparain Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

Teddie Blake The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Haven Kaycee It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

paulclaassen Well, it's not hard to see why this was a box office flop. Every attempt at being serious fails so miserably, resulting in a non-funny comedy about serious matters. Terribly unconvincing with very bad blue screen shots. Drew Barrymore is especially badly cast.

eric262003 Inspired by actual event that occurred in 1988, "Big Miracle" deals with the great lengths people will go through to save whales who are in great danger. Set in the secluded fishing town of Barrow, Alaska, Anchorage reporter Adam Carlson (John Krasinski) is sent to investigate the troubled three gray whales, he feels this is a great opportunity that is surely going to attract the news. No sooner, reporters, journalist and all media outlets arrive on the scene including Los Angeles reporter Jill Gerard (Kristen Bell) look on as to wonder if the whales will survive or die.Rescuers like Greenpeace activist Rachel Kramer (Drew Barrymore) who is Adam's ex-lover leads a group of rescuers on the scene to help saves these giant sea mammals. While her no-nonsense determination isn't winning her any friends, the whales seem to be getting the bulk of the attention, especially in the realms of public relations. Such PR opportunists include oil tycoon J.W. McGraw (Ted Danson) who happens to be Rachel's rival, who joins in to help and to get a good PR deal. He lends his hovercraft over to the National Guard. Meanwhile Colonel Scott Boyer (Dermot Mulroney) can't get right onto the mission because of the Arctic air and several townsfolk gather to help whatever they can to keep the whales from dying.Krasinski is the perfect choice for the role as Adam with the guy-next-door charm and likability, but still his character doesn't fully live up due to the lack of depth which truly makes him underdeveloped. By way of contrast, Barrymore has more poise and energy as the busybody activist who both dedicated, but vulnerable in the situation and media attention she's getting. Though her performance and her familiar face in the Hollywood mainstream will likely take notice from her fans, it's a shame that the on-screen chemistry between Barrymore and Krasinski seem quite lacklustre.The ensemble sparks quite the myriad of familiar faces. Veteran performer Ted Danson if effective as the cantankerous oil tycoon, who later changes his ways is a welcome addition to the plot. In what appear to be a light take on rescue mission it's good to counterbalance that with a hard-nosed guy like J.W. McGraw into the mix. In addition to that it's quite refreshing we have an elderly performer involved in what appears to be a film centred around a cast that's predominately young. Kristen Bell as hotshot reporter does her usual thing by being spontaneous and cute, but has a great chemistry with Krasinski and hoped that they would become a couple.Dermot Mulroney has the smart looks and sympathetic heart as Col. Boyer,in spite of his hardcore military dedication that make him firm, but fair. The narration is spot on by relative newcomer Ahmaogak Sweeney whose Inuit background adds authenticity to the plot. In addition to that, his acting was no too shabby either.Though based off the novel by Thomas Rose, the script was penned by the duo of Jack Amiel and Michael Begler, they seem to have a knack of making family themed film and in "Big Miracle" we can feel that in in the cool Arctic air. Despite the concerning topic of saving troubled animals, the vibes feels a bit saccharine and light like a family comedy you would see on the Hallmark station. Sure we're introduced to the variety of characters and their backgrounds very nicely albeit cliched and fall into the trap of archetypes. I give credit to the writers for running the plot smoothly and never meanders and keeps the characters in tact in spite of the threads and huge ensemble.Once the story starts to settle, the plot remains intriguing as we anticipate the next scene. in hope that the hard work and effort, the rescuers try to save these poor whales (to those who never read the book). It's here where we find some interesting and fascinating traits about the story and the characters. Though they are archetypes, they are three-dimensional. And it's not all light and sugary as there is a dark scene that leave looking for a tissue box nearby.Director Ken Kwapis succeeds in bring many subplots and plenty of depth with the huge ensemble that never felt underused or bogged down. Sure it feels sugary sweet in tone, the heart and emotions will like grab at your heartstrings. The characters are likable with no major antagonist (except for the ice and the harsh weather). The pace is spot-on and vocal and special effects of the whales look authentic. If there's a critique the feel of the movie has TV movie feel to it.Though I like inspiring tales of how humans saving animals which brings great joy to me, "Big Miracle" left me with a satisfying aftertaste. It made appreciate humanity and all the good things its done in spite of the negative reputation we get at times. It will touch you in many places including the heart and mind and that's what counts most.

ratcat0 With absolutely no idea what this movie was going to be about it soon became a great movie with the basic theme that we are all animal lovers at heart. Its a shame that people cannot come to the aid of our own fellow human beings when the need arises. The devastating Tsunami in Indonesia saw millions in aid from Australia but when we cry out to the Indonesians to spare the lives of two of our own for being drug smugglers they turn a blind eye. Sure Drug smugglers and dealers are the worst but these two have done their time in Jail and show remorse for their actions. We need to treat each other the same way we would some stranded whales. Some reviewers have stated that Barrymore's character was a one sided character with little if any knowledge of these great animals but it only goes to show that she played the part well and made it seem all the more realistic. Worth seeing at least once.

drpakmanrains After having seen the wonderful "Dolphin Tale" last week, I put "Big Miracle" to the top of my queue, expecting another fine family film about whales, based on true events, and garnering favorable reviews and word of mouth. But unfortunately, while not a bad film, this one was largely disappointing. As others have pointed out, the arctic scenes of brutal cold looked anything but, and the fine cast seemed poorly directed. It was hard to tell if it was supposed to be a comedy or a drama, and ultimately not succeeding much at either, at least for adults. As one reviewer stated, it spent much of the time looking at a hole in the ice. It wasn't the worst film of its kind I have seen, but for me, it was better than fair, but not quite good. I have already watched "Dolphin Tale" three times, but will definitely not ever watch this one again.