‘Big Miracle’ warms up the Arctic Circle

“Big Miracle,” starring John Krasinski and Drew Barrymore, directed by Ken Kwapis, PG, 117 minutes.

A movie about saving whales will give you a chill — then warm your heart.

“Big Miracle,” based on the true events of stranded whales in the 1980s, focuses on the motivations of people from different cultures and mindsets to band together in an impossible and dangerous rescue attempt.

Full of genuine emotion and humor, the movie demonstrates a very human way of dealing with responsibilities, politics and priorities.

Bottom-of-the-totem-pole reporter Adam Carlson (John Krasinski), along with a young Eskimo he befriended in a small whaling community, discover a family of three whales trapped in the ice off the coast of Alaska. Local experts called in to assess the situation say the whales have no chance for survival and have maybe a couple days.

Carlson, who initially believes this story will make a nice addition to his reel of résumé footage, is soon overwhelmed by the national then international coverage after his story breaks.

An environmentalist and animal rights activist, Rachel Kramer (Drew Barrymore), of PETA, joins up with Carlson after seeing his report and leads a powerful charge to save the creatures.

Although initially driven by personal agendas, people with no interest in saving the whales become attached to the struggling family and are in awe of the whales’ enormity and their vulnerability.

The movie balances the good and not-so-good intentions of humans and has the audience cheering at the ability of enemies to work together toward a common goal.

The flick, taking place in the Arctic Circle, is shot beautifully. Scenes are well-thought out, shot with deliberation and timing. But it’s hard to not be awe-inspired by the underwater scenes of the whales.

Although the acting was not anything particularly special, performances by the ensemble cast of Krasinski, Barrymore, Ted Danson, Tim Blake Nelson and Dermot Mulroney were not offensive by any stretch. Their characters were creative and easy to identify with.

Ahmaogak Sweeney, who played Nathan, was impressive and delightful as the grandson of a well-respected member in the tiny Alaskan village. The movie was a coming-of-age for Nathan, who struggled with his identity and his wonder for a world outside of Alaska.

The cast also includes Stephen Root, Kristen Bell, Kathy Baker and Ron Riggle.

After watching the movie, look for a funny addition in the credits where photos from the 1980s of events “Big Miracle” was based on are set side by side with scenes from the film.

Andrea Daniel is a copy editor for The Daily News and walked into the theater 15 minutes late, just missing all of the previews. “Flick Chick” will review a new movie each Friday.

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Add To The Queue

If you’re more interested in staying in with a movie, check out “Big Trouble in Little China” (1986). A trucker (Kurt Russell) finds himself involved in a age-old battle when he drives through Chinatown. Also starring Kim Cattrall and James Hong.