Free Willy (1993)

My Review

“Free Willy” is a family drama movie about a twelve-year-old orphan boy who befriends a young Orca whale named Willy while working part-time at a local aquatic theme park. He soon discovers that the owner is planning on disposing of Willy, and the drama proceeds from there. The film has good production values thanks to director Simon Wincer (“Quigley Down Under” 1990), a lucid screenplay by Keith Walker (story) and Corey Blechman, and a talented cast.

The stars include Jason James Richter as Jesse the orphan, Lori Petty as Willy’s veterinarian, Michael Madsen and Jayne Atkinson as Jesse’s foster parents, Michael Ironside as the park owner, Mykelti Williamson as Jesse’s social worker, August Schellenberg as the park caretaker, Richard Riehle as the park manager, Michael Bacall, Danielle Harris, and Isaiah Malone as Jesse’s friends, and Keiko as Willy the whale.

The watchable “Free Willy” was a huge hit at the box office for Le Studio Canal+, Regency Enterprises, Alcor Films, The Donners’ Company, and Warner Bros. Pictures. “Free Willy” spawned a whale of a franchise with an animated series named “Free Willy” (1994-1995) and three film sequels: “Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home” (1995), “Free Willy 3: The Rescue” (1997), and “Free Willy: Escape from Pirate’s Cove” (2010).