Inspired by a true story, comes a refreshing movie set in 1988, Alaska, amidst Eskimos and sleigh dogs. Adam Carlson (John Krasinski) is the local newscaster covering lame stories that’s on the verge of getting his segment cancelled. In nearby Anchorage, his ex girlfriend, Rachel Kramer (Drew Barrymore) runs Green Peace and isn’t tolerating Congressman McGraw (Ted Danson) and his political antics.
But when a trio of whales get trapped in a frozen outlet while attempting to make it back to the ocean, all political agendas merge and the three are forced to decide what’s right from wrong, and how to cover the story. The newscasts grow in America and eventually spreads to international appeal, that involves the President (at the time, Ronald Regan.) And as an audience, we too are glued like the public to their television sets as the baby whale –nicknamed “Bam Bam” – gets bruises and weakens every time he surfaces.
In a movie about cold weather and warm hearts, it’s one of those feel-good family films that reminds us what’s important. The only problem is a child under age 12 they may not grasp the multi-political angles of the sub-story that includes the National Guard. Colonel Scott is played by Dermott Mulroney. Barrymore does a fine and convincing job as a hippy in need of a good hair dye job and it’s nice to see she chose a role with some purpose. Three tiaras