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Free Willy Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    79

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 100

    out of 100

    Variety Leonard Klady

    An astute, intelligent family picture, the film is a potent reminder that you can have your heart in the right place and still produce a gripping, satisfying entertainment.

    Read Full Review

  • 63

    out of 100

    USA Today Mike Clark

    The film does what it can to dramatize the bond, but Richter has a disproportionate acting load because his co-star's emoting is below the water line. Happily, he carries it. [16 Jul 1993 Pg. 08.D]

  • 63

    out of 100

    ReelViews James Berardinelli

    This is one of those unusual films that is capable of enthralling those under twelve while not sending older members of the audience rushing for the exit.

    Read Full Review

  • 67

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

    It's an irony too significant to ignore that the movie, which proselytizes against penning up whales in order to make them do cute tricks for humans, spends much of its time making Willy do cute tricks for humans.

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  • 80

    out of 100

    The New York Times Vincent Canby

    How each frees the other is the stuff of Free Willy, which is as engaging as such films can be without offering rude surprises.

    Read Full Review

  • 88

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    The movie is sure to be appealing to younger viewers (they may find it more accessible and certainly less frightening than "Jurassic Park"), and it's smart enough to keep older viewers involved, too.

    Read Full Review

  • 90

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Michael Wilmington

    There's a muscular sincerity to this movie, a power and spread to its imagery that triumphs over the occasional candied purple patches or strained plot twists. [16 Jul 1993 Pg. F1]

  • 90

    out of 100

    Time Richard Corliss

    The movie hits every emotional button with a firm fist. It makes the phrase feel-good sound like a command from the industry's P.C. Patrol.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Free Willy reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 6+

A wayward boy befriends a moody killer whale.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this movie is farfetched, but it's also very enjoyable. Plot complications (like insurance fraud) may be a little complex for many younger viewers. But kids, particularly animal lovers, will want to see this.

  • Families can talk about orca biology and behavior -- you might follow up with some online whale research together.
  • There's also plenty of save the whales stumping, which might excite any budding activists.
  • Talk about right and wrong? Is it okay for them to do whatever it takes to save Willy?

The good stuff
  • message true0

    Messages: Depictions of trespassing, vandalism and living rough on the city streets. Climax has good guys breaking the law in order to save Willy the Whale.

  • rolemodels true2

    Role models: Jesse is a street-wise delinquent who learns about friendship and love from Willy the whale.

What to watch for
  • violence false0

    Violence and scariness: One brief fistfight.

  • sex false0

    Sexy stuff: Not an issue

  • language false0

    Language: None, unless you count the boy hero's angry use of "screw."

  • consumerism false0

    Consumerism: Not an issue

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false0

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 4.5
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
5

OMG by alexa523
OMG,So freaking good!!! OMG!!! Must go!!! Me and my BFF Alicia went to see it and by the end all the popcorn was gone from tense moments ( me and alicia eat when we're afraid ) the Diet Pepsi we had been sharing had spilled on the floor from exitement and OMG that actually happend moments. This must go!!!Signed,Alexandria Tomis.

Read all Free Willy reviews at Fandango
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