Rated PG, 105 minutes
The new drama "Big Miracle" is an enjoyable real-life save-the-whale story set in frigid Alaska that will warm your heart this winter. The uplifting film, starring Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski ("The Office"), is based on the 1988 effort "Operation Breakthrough" to save several gray whales stuck in the ice in Point Barrow, Alaska. The story captured nationwide attention as many people and two countries worked together to free the whales. Before you non-tree huggers turn and run, "Big Miracle" is a heartwarming, engaging family film not just about the importance of preserving nature, but the ability to set aside differences to work for a common goal. Though the story is hardly original and seemingly long forgotten (1988 is an eternity ago), Barrymore is perfectly cast as the outspoken Greenpeace worker who takes this on as a personal cause, and she and Krasinski do have a certain playful chemistry together. They head an eclectic but talented cast including Ted Danson, Kristen Bell, Tim Blake Nelson, Dermot Mulroney and Kathy Baker, all of whom play an important part in saving the whales (affectionately named Fred, Wilma and Bam Bam). "Big Miracle" doesn't work as well when it veers off toward romantic or political subplots, and if you're familiar with the story (but most are probably not by now) you know how it turns out. Even with that, you'll still enjoy "Big Miracle" and it's suitable entertainment for the whole family, which is hard to come by these days. Also, stay over for the credits and you'll see actual whale footage and most of the real characters from the story.
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