Every now and then, sometimes all you need to do is watch a “feel-good” movie. Whether it’s because of the dreary weather outside or because classes are getting stressful, these movies are perfect for inspiration and motivation — and that’s the kind of movie that Big Miracle is.
Based on a true story, Big Miracle stars John Krasinski (“The Office”) as Adam, a television reporter working in northern Alaska (miles north of the Artic Circle) in 1988. He’s struggling to come up with a story idea for his producers in the small town of Barrow when he and a friend discover three gray whales trapped in ice. The family was migrating south for the winter, but thick ice leaves them trapped — five miles from the ocean.
Adam’s story is a hit, and soon his whale story is being picked up by the national news media. The press soon descends on Barrow, including a Jill (Kristen Bell, When In Rome) a reporter from Los Angeles who Adam has a crush on. Greenpeace activists also come to town in an attempt to the rescue the whales — and Adam’s ex-girlfriend, Rachel (Drew Barrymore, 50 First Dates), is among them.
Everyone in Barrow has different motives for helping with whales, from the environmental activists to the press to even the President himself. The inspiring part comes when they all have to work together, even pushing aside their differences to do so. Everyone knows they’ll go back to the ways things were, but they fall in love with whales (Fred, Wilma, and BamBam) and have to help. It reminded me of those old-school Disney family movies or a great sports movie — the outcome is rarely in doubt, but it just makes you smile (and tear up) watching it all unfold.
Heading into Big Miracle, I didn’t know what to expect — I knew it was based on a true story, but I didn’t even know when it took place or the media circus it created. That was one of the more interesting parts of the film for me — as an aspiring journalist, it was fascinating to see how television media took an event and ran with it, even if it wasn’t exactly newsworthy. Sure makes for a great story about the story though!
Along with the storyline, the acting is pretty solid. Kristen Bell is hilarious as a spoiled but dedicated reporter, John Krasinski is charming as always, and Drew Barrymore’s performance is especially heartwarming. Big Miracle may not be Oscar-worthy, but it’s definitely worth watching, especially when you want to have a relaxing night out with your friends.
Are you going to watch Big Miracle?