Free Willy [DVD] [1994]

Having put graffiti all round Willy’s tank, Jesse is sent to clean it up. Through his constant attention to Willy and love of the harmonica, he finally develops a relationship with the whale. He is then employed to teach Willy a show to perform to the public. The relationship with his adoptive parents hits the rocks again when, at the top of his voice, Glen admits to his wife that he was happier without Jesse. Jesse reacts as you would expect and throws a baseball out of the window, but it is not long before the problem is resolved.

Eventually, Jesse pulls of a successful performance to the money-hungry businessmen, which lands him a public performance. However, a dramatic turn of events leaves Willy feeling scared and reluctant to perform. This scene is very powerful and has viewers of all ages biting their nails with anticipation. Having decided that the whale will make no money, these businessmen try to cash in on the one million dollar insurance by killing Willy. It just happens that Jesse is down visiting Willy on the same evening that they put this plan into action. Before any serious harm happens to the whale Jesse is already thinking up a plan of his own.

This film has a very powerful ending and the credits are accompanied by more excellent cinematography of whales. The character of Jesse has grown from being a poor role model for any child, into a less selfish person who now appreciates the things that he has. The relationship between he and Glen improves and Glen realises that Jesse may turn into the child that he would like in his life. And finally, Willy goes from a life in captivity, back to his family where he belongs.

This film is perfect for both children and parents and from beginning to end it will spark emotions in people of all ages. The supporting cast including August Schellenberg as Randolph, Michael Madsen as Glen and Lori Petty as Rae, all do a brilliant job in their roles. Specifically in conveying how their opinions of Jesse change and how they all build lasting relationships with him.

The tenth anniversary DVD Special Features are quite disappointing. There is “A conversation with Bob Talbot wildlife cinematographer” which is a little informative, but the real brilliance of this is the spectacular whale footage. There is another segment entitled “Whale Ballet” which features a montage of clips of whales from the film. What makes these features particularly disappointing is that most of the footage is comprised of whale clips from the film. I am positive that I have seen other ‘making of’ style footage including an explanation of animatronics used in the film. It is a shame that the DVD is not equipped with a ‘making of documentary’, but then again Warner Brothers Special Edition DVD’s often seem to lack features in comparison to those released by other studios. Other features include a game for very young children, a Michael Jackson music video and a few trailers, some of which promote the sequels as well.

When Jesse an boy abandoned by his parents at birth becomes in trouble with the police, he is send to live with a pair of willing foster parents. While there he is made to clean up the graffiti that he sprayed all over a huge whale tank at the local fairground and befriends the creature inside it, Willy. He eventually lands himself a job in training the whale for public shows as Will will not take any notice of anyone else. He convinces the bosses of the fairground and as the public flood in to watch the show, Will becomes frightened and refuses to perform.

When the bosses realise that the whale they brought is absolutely worthless, they decide to cash in on the insurance money for Willy, which happenes to one million dollars. Luckily Jesse is there visiting Willy when they come to release the water from the tank and calls on the help of Randolph and his side kick who are in charge of training Willy. They plan to take Willy to the coast, and release him back into the ocean to be with his family, however when the bosses realise, they are determined to stop them and claim back their whale.

I see this film to be about change, people being lost and finding out who they really are. This happens maily to Jesse as he goes from being a rather selfish boy to somone who you might like to take home with you. It also happens to Glen, Jesse's foster father, as he realises that he does in fact like Jesse afterall and in the end helps him release Willy back into the sea.

Overall, 'Free Willy' is a really great film and after you have watched it, it really isn't hard to see why it was such a big hit with family audiences back in 1993, and has stood the test of time. The mark of a truly great film. Highly recommended to watch as a family.