Big Miracle

America’s initial reaction to the trailer for Big Miracle went something like this. John Krasinski, yes! Whales stuck in the ice, oh no! Drew Barrymore, not going to see it. That was definitely my reaction but being the trooper I am, I braved the unlikable Barrymore and saw the film. Based on a true story, it is about a small Alaskan town thrown into the spotlight after a family of whales is discovered trapped with a wall of ice separating them from the open ocean. Kransinski plays the small-time reporter who discovers the event and brings about the flood of attention. Barrymore unsurprisingly plays the annoying green-peace activist who thinks everyone is out to destroy the world.

I’m all for an actor sacrificing some unique aspects of a performance to go with what they know works. Krasinski plays a slightly more motivated version of Jim from “The Office.” That’s a good idea because people like the character and it’s likely why he got the part. As for the plot, it may not be a story told every day, but there is never a feeling that the film has something unique to offer. In the final third there are a handful of funny jokes and some big drama, which ultimately leave things on a good note.

In order to prevent every shot from having the characters looking at a hole in the ice, there are a few different storylines. With support from Ted Danson, Dermot Mulroney and Kristen Bell there is a surprising amount of star power in such an under-the-radar film. All do well in those positions. The main problem is Barrymore’s character and a lack of redeeming qualities. When the audience is meant to soften to her, we don’t and it’s unbelievable when the characters do. For the most part, Big Miracle is just middle-of-the-road good.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.