Still wonderful

“Free Willy” brings back memories: the ending cliff scene, the Michael Jackson music video Warner Brothers smartly put at the beginning of the videocassette (which I played more than the movie), the dick jokes. Yeah, no movie supplied easier material to both the Lorena Bobbit, and eventually, even Michael Jackson situations than “Free Willy.”

Not to mention the fat jokes. But forgetting much of what was heard on the playground in those days, “Free Willy” is also the original “Blackfish”, catered to family audiences who love to see animals smarter than people, not locked up in small cages, and who can bond with little kids who need a friend.

Jason James Richter, a pretty good kid actor who never really branched out of this series, plays one of those lovable little movie street urchins and charming pick-pocket who, in fact, really just needs a friend and a dependable family. Richter plays this well- he’s guarded and stubborn about reaching out to anyone.

But caught and sentenced to community service, he soon finds himself face to face with a large orca whale named Willy. Willy is also highly sympathetic, as the opening scene shows his capture and forced captivity at the park. Like Jesse, he misses real home and can also be ornery, rude, and stubborn when being around people.

Nothing about the movie is subtle. Both Jesse and Willy are meant to be kindred spirits, and after moments of becoming aware of each other, and another scene where Willy saves Jesse- they both bond in the sweetest of ways.

Yeah, there’s a manipulative musical score by Basil Paldouris and tight-wad owners/villains of the park and the whale who may as well be twirling mustaches, but I forgot how warm and fuzzy the relationship gets- the excitement of having such an exotic pet, Willy’s incredible jumps and twirls, and the level of trust that develops between two people who really believe they can’t trust anyone else.

And I still remember the whale’s name- Keiko, who is to whales what Bart was to bears, I think. The film uses a combination of him and animatronic whales and as a kid I was never able to tell the difference, and I have to say that hasn’t changed. Though now his incredible final jump hits different. Production notes say it was done with CGI, and all I can say is, “yeah, no shit.”

As the title says, we’re gonna see Willy freed and that is what happens; the thrill of that also seems diminished a bit by predictability. It holds attention though, as does Richter’s scenes with Lori Petty, the caring animal trainer of the park, and Michael Madsen, who plays foster dad with a bit more grit and uncertainty than you usually get from movies like this.

Generally, the meat and potatoes of the plot works best though; the kid and the whale make the movie wonderful family viewing. And that groovy Michael Jackson song (also playing over the end credits)- that’s how you sell a movie.


If you like this, check out some newer reviews on Youtube. Appreciate the support:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtQoj2LBSsES1QTa8a6bpRA