Big Miracle will pull at your heartstrings. But, unfortunately, that seems to be about all that it does.
Ken Kwapis directed Big Miracle, and he touches all of the expected emotional spots, with three stranded whales fighting for survival while humans bicker among themselves to either save the whales or to make themselves look good trying.
The script, "inspired by true events," from Jack Amiel and Michael Begler, gives Big Miracle something for everyone: Everyone loves whales, everyone loves beautiful scenery, everyone loves a rescue, and, depending on individual persuasions, everyone can find something to love or hate in a smarmy Greenpeace activist (Drew Barrymore) or in a greedy, environment-ravaging oilman (Ted Danson).
Standing between these two forces is Adam Carlson (John Krasinski), a local TV newsman in and around Barrow, Alaska, where it sometimes hits 60 below zero. His initial 1988 report on three whales trapped in ice, unable to journey to sea, spurs larger organizations into action, including the major television networks.
The plight of the whales also alerts Rachel Kramer (Barrymore), thrusting her and her organization into whale-saving mode. From there, Big Miracle is shamelessly predictable, but some interest can be found in how some of the obstacles are overcome. Kwapis dutifully handles the various crises, with a few good quips for and from the various forces.
But even the surplus of seemingly perilous situations cannot hide the film's blatant plea for emotional involvement. In such transparent films, when someone becomes upset, the rift is never serious and it never lasts. The underwater ocean imagery of the whales, or their CGI or animatronic doubles, is impressive enough and should be noted.
Before departing, however, Kwapis takes his shots at Greenpeace's interference, the environmental policies of President Reagan and the Soviet Union, and even network anchor conceit.
One of the film's most enjoyable surprises comes in the ever-evolving supporting cast. More than 20 or so fine actors briefly pop up in various parts, including Kathy Baker as the oilman's wife, Rob Riggle and James LeGros as two homey Minnesotans who come to save the day, a barely recognizable Shea Whigham as a helicopter pilot, Dermot Mulroney as an Army helicopter pilot, Vinessa Shaw as Ronald Reagan's press liaison, and many more.
But the biggest surprise comes near the end in a local news broadcast when Kwapis plucks some extant stock footage to show a new sports reporter primed for her report. The new reporter? A 20-something Sarah Palin.
BOO ALLEN is an award-winning film critic for the Denton Record-Chronicle. MOVIE RATING
Big Miracle
** 1/2
Rated PG, 107 minutes.
Opens Friday.
