Home :: DVD :: Kids & Family :: Drama  

Adapted from Books
Adventure
Animals
Animation
Classics
Comedy
Dinosaurs
Disney
Drama

Educational
Family Films
Fantasy
General
Holidays & Festivals
IMAX
Music & Arts
Numbers & Letters
Puppets
Scary Movies & Mysteries
Science Fiction
Television
Free Willy

Free Willy

List Price: $14.98
Your Price:
Product Info Reviews

<< 1 2 3 4 >>

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Will You Be There? (I should hope so for this film...)
Review: ...It's that good. Now, you see, under normal circumstances I am, by and large, an action-film man, and, even if we disregard my career aspirations as a marine biologist, can someone possibly put forward a negative comment regarding this film? Because I can't.

The premise is as follows, so if you don't want to know the story, skip this paragraph: Jason James Richter plays the role of Jesse, a down and out street kid, dumped by his mom six years earlier. Convinced of her return he socially attacks his new foster parents (excellent casting on both accounts by Simon Wincer)in a difficult situation which you find difficult to either sympathise or disregard with. However, following a spate of vandalism at a theme park and aquarium, Jesse is ordered to do community service, cleaning the place up. What a drag eh? That is, until he discovers Willy and befriends him, teaching him all sorts of new games and developing a friendship which, up to now in his life, has been completely absent. Oh, by the way, in case you hadn't guessed, Willy happens to be an 8 tonne Killer Whale held captive and seperated from his family by the park. After understanding Willy and his desire to reach his family again, Jesse embarks on a suspense-laden climax to the film in an effort to "Free Willy" from the park and the scheming owner, out to, literally, make a killing on Willy.

I have to say, of all the movies I have ever seen (the number probably stands around 1200), this one has the best screenplay and story of the lot (rivalled, perhaps, only by The Sting, starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman). The character interaction (and in this case this is no easy feat) is faultless. Willy and Jesse emerge as the two characters who seem to actually understand the world and how it works, and in time Jesse learns to trust his trying foster parents, much to the delight of the audience.

Quite simply, you're a fool if you don't see this. If any additional evidence were needed for this film's awesome cinematic contribution, it lies in the performances of Randolph, Lori Petty, and Starship Trooper's Mr. Radcheck, who plays the nasty, money-grabbing park owner. All are some of the most intriguing and distinguishable characters around in the pantheons of film archives.

Finally, then, the last comment would have to be of all the movies ever made, I think it is possible to select about 20 or 30 super-significant films which turned/changed/altered the way the world looks at and appreciate films. You all know what I'm talking about. Examples would include Star Wars, which set the standard for sci-fi fantasy movies, and is still one of the best around; Jaws, which practically defined the thriller genre; Toy Story, which revolutionised computer generated films (with some help from the muche older, but often overlooked, Tron); and Goldfinger, which is classic Bond at its best. Without question, this is one such movie, defining the family/adventure genre.

Buy it, watch it, celebrate it and exhalt it (I'll just about forgive you if you don't worship it). One of the most original and touching stories in recent times - a boy befriending an orca whale! Oh, and the score by Basil Poledouris and Michael Jackson is, of course, nothing less than perfect (the "Main Title" piece is particularly stirring). Priceless.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: ...5 Stars!!! I give it as many stars there are OUT THERE
Review: 10 Years ago, i was only five years old, and should of done what most 5 year olds do. But THIS MOVIE CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER!!!!!! THIS MOVIE CHANGES LIVES!!! I remember the first time i sat down and watched it, and i was HOOKED, it think i watched if 4 or 5 times that day. Now, 1m 15 years old, and yes, i still watch this movie EVERYDAY ( i am not lieing, ask my friends). I haven't changed much. Im pretty sure i know the movie word my word, backwards and forwards, inside and out. So your asking, how did this movie change my life?? Well, i am going to be a marine mammal trainer when i grow up. Right now i am doing everything possible to make my dream come true. I am in the pre-course of marine biology, speech and debate ( for speech skills) and im signing up for scuba diving, PLUS Hundreds of countless hours of orca research. I know all the whales names at all 3 seaworlds, and the orcas at marineland ontario. ALL BECAUSE OF THIS MOVIE. If there is ONE person in this world that this movie effected the most, like emotionally, mentally, and phycologically, its me. You won't find ANYONE else in this world at the age of 15 that watches this movie everyday. So guess whos gunna be standin outside [the store] at midnight on the 28th of january to buy the 10 anniversary edition! ME! ANd when you people watch this movie, who are you going to think of>>?? The free willy girl on Amazon dot com. ANd who are you gunna see at seaworld in 10 yrs?? The Free willy girl on Amazon dot com, holding the 20th anniversary editon of free willy.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: live
Review: anima

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: FREE WILLY -- the greatest friendship film of all time.
Review: Anyone who didn't like this film probably doesn't know the film's true meaning and message. This film is about freedom and forever-lasting friendship between two very unique characters who hardly have anything in common. FREE WILLY gives the message that everyone should be free -- something that every human, animal, and plant on this earth feel even if we cannot express it openly. It also gives the message that even if you don't think you have something in common with someone, you can still be friends with that person -- or animal for that matter -- even if you are very different.

FREE WILLY captures the heart and soul of a young 12-year-old orphan boy and his beloved 7,000 pound Orca [Killer] Whale, Willy, who is also an orphan. The story is solid and amazing. The setting of the Pacific Northwest is brilliant. The acting is surpurb by the entire essemble cast, especially Jason James Ritcher, who gives an outstanding performance as Jesse, the young boy who befriends Willy. FREE WILLY is basically about Jesse, who at the beginning of the movie, is a struggling, troubled kid who lives on the streets. His mother left him years ago, and he's always hoping his mother would come back for him. He hangs out with a regular street-gang of kids, who steal to get food and money. When the gang splits up as being chased by the cops, Jesse and his best friend hide out in Willy's labratory tank. They find some paint cans in the workshop and decide to "decorate" the place by spray painting the entire labratory. The cops find the two boys in the labratory. Jesse's friend escapes, but Jesse is caught and arrested. Jesse is punished by one of the cops: He must live with a couple who wants to adopt him and clean up the mess he and his friend made in the labratory. Jesse reluclenty agrees to this plan, and goes to live with the friendly couple and cleans up the mess. Jesse eventually meets Willy and they instantly become attached to each other, especially after Willy saves Jesse's life when he falls into his tank by accident. The owner of the labratory claims that Willy isn't trying to be friendly -- Willy is probably the most unfriendly animal they have at the labratory. But when the man who sponsers the labratory wants to destroy Willy's tank in hopes that they will get a high insurance rate, Jesse must find a way to save his friend and put him back into the ocean with his family.

FREE WILLY is a very charming, heartwarming tale. The theme song by Michael Jackson, "Will You Be There" is an excellent addition for the movie. A movie not to be missed by anybody. This film is followed-up by two, just as amazing and solid squels: FREE WILLY 2: THE ADVENTURE HOME and FREE WILLY 3: THE RESCUE, which I also recommend.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: "Free Willy" is GREAT!!!
Review: Everyone should watch this inspirational movie! It's great for family, friends, or anyone you know!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Free Willy is Awesome!
Review: Free Willy is one of my favorite movies even though I know an orca couldn't be set free immediatly; they would have to go through rehibilitation and learning skills for survival. This great movie really shows how some animals (such as orcas) are mistreated. Even though I like going to places like Seaworld and zoos, I don't like facilties with exhibits that have paint chipping, the tank not being deep enough and bad food quality. I give it five stars for enthusiasm, adventure, reality, and just being my all time favorite movie! This movie is for ALL ages young or old. Keiko, who played Willy in the movie, is now learning to survive in the wild because "Free Willy" so that is why I rate it on the top... wouldn't you?

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: still great after all these years
Review: how could a movie be so moving and have a beautiful soundtrack. it always makes me cry every time i watch it.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: I would give it ZERO stars, if I could! What's with you?!
Review: I am not an animal hater. This is not why I hate "Free Willy" so much. I remember watching this movie a few years ago in Elementery school, I FELL asleep! I'm an action/video game gal, so probably, that is why i didn't enjoy this teeny-bopper crap-yes, I'm sure you must see this type of story everyday in the news, so watch it there! Nothing ever happens in this movie-Oooooo, the bad guys are getting the whale...ooo...they're gonna kill it, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I see this story everyday in the news, and I enjoy there more! And the soundtrack is bad, too! This movie's a waste "of my beautiful time", as my friend, Miss Jenny puts it. Go watch "Homeward Bound" or "The incredible journey", those movies ARE worth your time.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Fish sticks anyone?
Review: I dont like this movie, it is one of the few films I really cant stand. I say we capture willy and sell him to Captain D's
,make a few bucks. HA HA HA HA HA.........

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Not a great movie at all
Review: I dont see why a person will want to go through all that trouble to save a whale. My opinion on this movie was that it was a wast of time. Its a whale that a kid tryes to save. Not a good movie at all.


<< 1 2 3 4 >>

© 2004, ReviewFocus or its affiliates