Free Willy ** (1993, Jason James Richter, Jayne Atkinson, Michael Madsen, Michael Ironside, Lori Petty, August Schellenberg) – Classic Movie Review 6421

Director Simon Wincer’s hugely popular 1993 children’s film is simple, popular sentimental family adventure fare starring Jason James Richter as an abandoned 12-year old street kid called Jesse who befriends a three-ton orca killer whale trapped in a rundown aquatic theme park.

The sulky boy is made to do community service after being arrested for a break-in at the marina amusement park, where he soon falls for the wayward star of the aquatic show, who obeys him, giving the park’s wicked owner Dial (Michael Ironside) devious ideas.

Richter is engagingly roguish, but the adults have little to go on, though Jayne Atkinson and Michael Madsen manage to make something of their roles as the boy’s adoptive new parents Annie and Glen Greenwood, who are uncertain whether he is the right kid to share their home with them.

Tolerant children may well be pleased but the handling is too manipulatively heart-tugging to be effective for sceptical adults.

Also in the cast are Lori Petty, August Schellenberg, Mykelti Williamson, Michael Bacall, Danielle Harris and Isaiah Malone.

It is written by Keith A Walker and Corey Blechman, shot by Robbie Greenberg, produced by Jenny Lew Tugend and Lauren Shuler Donner and scored by Basil Poledouris.

It cost $20,000,000 and grossed $153,698,625 worldwide, including $77,698,625 in the US.

Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home followed in 1995 and Free Willy 3: The Rescue in 1997, both also with Richter.

After a gap, Richter returned to acting in late 2008.

Eventually Free Willy: Escape from Pirate’s Cove followed in 2010, with Bindi Irwin as young heroine Kirra and Beau Bridges.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 6421

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