Big Miracle

Synopsis
When a family of gray whales becomes trapped in the Arctic Circle, a Greenpeace volunteer and a small-town reporter go to extraordinary lengths to save the majestic creatures in this romantic adventure inspired by actual events. Alaskan newsman Adam Carlson (John Krasinski) has grown weary of working in such a small market. He's eager to move on to bigger and better things when the story of a lifetime lands right in his lap. Ice has been forming in the Arctic Circle at a rate so fast that a family of gray whales has become hopelessly stranded. As the eyes of the world turn toward this small, chilly corner of the globe, an oil tycoon, slews of politicians, and countless journalists descend upon Alaska -- each with their own hidden agenda. Meanwhile, the only one Adam notices is Rachel Kramer (Drew Barrymore), a devout environmentalist who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend. As the situation grows dire, the unlikely pair rallies a diverse coalition of allies to work together toward the common goal of saving the endangered marine mammals. The result is a rescue mission that will help to thaw Cold War tensions between America and Russia, and show the entire world just what can be accomplished when we start working together, instead of pulling apart. Dermot Mulroney, Tim Blake Nelson, Ted Danson, and Kristen Bell co-star.

Reviews
"BIG MIRACLE is surprisingly good....[With] an ambitious number of characters and agendas..." (Los Angeles Times)

3 stars out of 5 -- "Inspiring, real and heartwarming, BIG MIRACLE is something of a miracle itself -- a family film everyone in the family can love that doesn't talk down to its audience..." (Box Office)

"BIG MIRACLE is an enjoyable, lively account of an Alaskan animal rescue story that touched the world." (Hollywood Reporter)

"[U]nder its crowd-pleasing exterior lies an undercurrent of bracing cynicism....Kwapis fills small roles with great character actors..." -- Grade: B (A.V. Club)