Free Willy

Starring: Jason James Richter, Lori Petty, Jayne Atkinson, August Schellenberg, Michael Madsen, Michael Ironside
Directed by: Simon Wincer
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama, Adventure
1993

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: A trouble-making boy (Jason James Richter) moves in with new foster parents (including Michael Madsen) and goes to work at a local aquarium and marina complex (which he vandalized earlier). He forms a bond with Willy, an Orca Whale. When the boy learns that Willy's owners believe he is worth more dead than alive, he sets out to rescue his friend.

Review:
Tim: This is one of the most inspiring, beautiful children's movies, even if it is incredible conventional. It takes the typical story of a boy and his dog and turns the dog into a 3 ton Orca whale. Now, this is something you don't see every day.

The movie made nearly every child who's ever seen it desperately want to befriend an Orca whale. I remember as a kid, I'd have killed to ride on the back of a killer whale.

Jason James Richter is tremendous as a street kid who befriends a whale. He plays the role perfectly. I am really glad that Lori Petty is in this movie. She is terrific and not in nearly enough movies. As always, she gives an enjoyable performance.

Free Willy is surprisingly emotional. Richter plays the troubled boy from the wrong side of the tracks perfectly. His hurt and pain translates to us through the screen. While at times, we want to slap him for being a snot, more often than not, we really feel for him. His friendship with Willy takes on much more importance.

When you add in "Will You Be There" a truly remarkable song from Michael Jackson (whom I despise, but the song is great), you are left with a movie that really has everything.

If you can put aside the eco-friendly obsession surrounding this film (and there's nothing wrong with being eco-friendly), then you'll find a children's movie that has something for everybody.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home, A League of Their Own, Finding Nemo