Teens corrupted by super powers in ‘Chronicle,’ plus Barrymore’s whale of a tale
Whale Watching
As I watched Drew Barrymore’s eyes go moist at the plight of three trapped whales in Alaska in Big Miracle, I couldn’t help but remember her wide-eyed wonder at the sight of E.T. Barrymore plays a Greenpeace activist in the movie, based on a true story from 1988 about how the plight of these three whales, a mother, father and child, captivated the network news around the globe. That said I must confess I have no remembrance of the real life incident.
No matter, Big Miracle, beyond its bland, nondescript title, delivers exactly what the coming attraction promised, a Free Willy, “save the whales” tale. And since I am a sucker for save-the-animals movie, I enjoyed it. John Krasinski also stars as an Alaskan TV reporter who dreams of a job in the lower forty-eight and sees this story as his chance to shine.
As the press latches onto the story, an oilman (Ted Danson), the Alaskan National Guard, Ronald Reagan and the Russian government are swept up in the opportunity for good public relations by helping out in the attempt to create a passage for the iced-in gray whales to reach the open ocean.
Big Miracle takes advantage of the little fish as well, like the native population who exploit the out-of-town newsmen for monetary gain, and a couple of goofy Minnesotans who have a boat de-icer that turns out to be a big help to the rescue.
Directed by TV veteran Ken Kwapis (He’s Just Not That Into You, The Office) and written by Jack Amiel and Michael Begler, based on the book Freeing the Whales by Thomas Rose, Big Miracle is a nice family movie.
P.S.: Stick around for the closing credits to see some of the real life heroes take a bow.
Chronicle **1/2
Directed by Josh Trank; rated PG-13
Big Miracle **1/2
Directed by Ken Kwapis; rated PG
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1. Linda R said... on Feb 10, 2012 at 11:30AM
“Even though I love Drew Barrymore I just can't seem to get into movies about sea life... but Chronicle looks really good...”