Review of Big Miracle (2012) by Philip P — 19 Jun 2012

Big Miracle didn't necessarily look like the most exciting of movies, even when it debuted in the dead of February. It is a standard "save the animals" kind of movie that attempts to tug at your heart strings with an appealing cast while rising above its genre trappings due mainly to the earnest portrayals the actors are giving.

That is, except for Drew Barrymore's irritating Greenpeace worker Rachel Kramer. Maybe if a more capable actress was able to peel back the layers of someone who cared whole-heartedly about something more than herself the film would have been a complete success, but instead Barrymore just comes off as grating to the audience as she does to the oil tycoons she protests.

Luckily, others like the aw-shucks personality of John Krasinski are here to cushion the blow. Krasinski's performance and all around persona here give the best example of what the film as a whole is.

It is a family movie, with humble intentions and a good heart. There is no hidden agenda, no selfish reason, it is just a simple, Hollywood version of a true story that is meant to arouse some kind of something in you.

It wants to make you want to do something meaningful even if that something has nothing to do with whales. It is a nice thought that children's movies like this still get the greenlight every once in a while.

With other lively supporting performances from Kristen Bell, Dermont Mulroney, Tim Blake Nelson, Ted Danson, and Rob Riggle there is no reason not to rent the easily likeable film and find your own inspiration.