Review: "Big Miracle"

Reviewer: Mary Draughon for Previewonline.com

Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski, Ahmaogak Sweeney, John Pingayak. Directed by Jack Amiel.

FILM SYNOPSIS: It’s 1988 and the cold war is in full bloom; the Russians are the bad guys – aren’t they? Greenpeace tree huggers are upset over the environment and big business tycoons are pushing for pipelines to access our country’s oil. Then on the evening news one night, a small story from Barrows, Alaska, turns the country into (gasp) a united frenzy. Three whales are trapped under a thickening layer of ice, blocking their way to the sea and the path to southern California. “Big Miracle” is inspired by a true story and stars Drew Barrymore as Rachel, the Greenpeace volunteer who spearheads the rescue. She is aided by her former boyfriend Adam (John Krasinski), the television reporter who first spots the troubled whales.

CONTENT: It’s interesting to see how diversity creates unity. In the beginning the trapped whales are perceived by some of the Eskimos as a money-making opportunity because of the influx of reporters and politicians from all over descending on the tiny North Arctic village. A young boy, Nathan (Ahmaogak Sweeney), sells squares of cardboard for $18 to the outsiders to stand on the ice, while his grandfather Malik (John Pingayak) resents efforts to save the whales because they are what Eskimos feed their families. The billionaire (Ted Danson), trying to get approval of the pipeline, sees it as an opportunity to change his image from villain to savior by financing the equipment required to break up the ice. Even the White House calls in the National Guard, which will help win votes in the upcoming election. Then come the Russians. Selfish motives fade, however, as their combined efforts seem to be failing and the possibility of tragedy looms.

As the title implies, there is a happy ending that can only be called a miracle, making it obvious God was in control. Plenty of suspense holds the audience’s attention without violence but some scenes may be too intense for children under six. Strong emotional outbursts and anger are expressed that include one or two exclamatory profanities. Families can enjoy “Big Miracle” together and learn that diversity is part of our American heritage. How familiar are most of us with life in the North Arctic? While this movie is not a documentary, it may tweak the interest of many to find out more about a remote corner of the world.

Distributor: Universal Pictures

PG (A few crude minor expletives; One or two “oh my God;” Action scenes of rescue attempts are tense with a few dangerous moments; opposing factions have a shouting match, but no hitting; Some beer drinking; one reporter gets drunk in café; Whales in distress can be upsetting as they struggle to breathe under difficult circumstances). Intended Audience: Families with children 6 and older Running time: 107 minutes

DEFINITIONS

Profanity – God’s name followed by a curse or the abusive use of Christ’s name

Obscenity – a swear word, indecent language

Expletive – minor curse words such as damn or hell

Crudity – vulgar, often coarse situations or dialogue dealing with bodily functions

Adult Subject Matter – situations or subjects unsuitable for or difficult to comprehend by children