…………………………………………………

Free Willy Movie Review

Free Willy is a 1993 family adventure film directed by Simon Wincer and starring Jason James Richter. It’s a very generic, but sweet children’s flick.

………………………………………………….

“You must have something special, kid.

That’s why Willy didn’t eat you up“

…………………………………………………..

Jesse, a young boy, works at a park and befriends a whale that refuses to cooperate with its trainer. Later, when the authorities try to kill the whale, Jesse saves it. This is one of those boy and his dog stories that differentiates itself from others by having a whale instead, an orca to be precise. And this orca was a real one named Keiko with a rather tragic story, which gave the movie a sort of lived-in authenticity.

I have to say that Jason James Richter was pretty good in the main role. This young actor pretty much disappeared afterward, which was a shame as he was competent enough as Jesse. His family was underdeveloped and that conflict was underwritten, but the main relationship between the boy and the orca was quite tender and beautiful.

The first act of Free Willy is quite memorable and the introduction to the orca was one of the best scenes in the film. I also really liked that ending that definitely felt emotionally manipulative, but it was still quite endearing. The middle section was much less interesting and the pacing was off during that part.

…………………………………………………..

What elevates Free Willy to greater heights are the technical aspects. The cinematography is quite strong and the animatronics used here were excellent as I couldn’t tell them apart from the real orca that was also present here. But the main attraction has to be the score. Wow, does this movie sound good. The soundtrack is fantastic throughout, but that harmonica theme was downright spectacular and it really moved me how beautiful it was.