The read
Critics rate it 18 points higher than audiences do. The highest scoring of the 3 titles in its series.
Synopsis
When maladjusted orphan Jesse vandalizes a theme park, he is placed with foster parents and must work at the park to make amends. There he meets Willy, a young Orca whale who has been separated from his family. Sensing kinship, they form a bond and, with the help of kindly whale trainer Rae Lindley, develop a routine of tricks. However, greedy park owner Dial soon catches wind of the duo and makes plans to profit from them.
Ratings
IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes71%
Metacritic79/100
Critics rate it 18 points higher than audiences do.
2,042 audience votes
Key crew
- Simon WincerDirector
- Corey BlechmanScreenplay
- Basil PoledourisOriginal Music Composer
- Keith WalkerScreenplay
Cast
- Jason James RichterJesse
- KeikoWilly
- Lori PettyRae Lindley
- August SchellenbergRandolph Johnson
- Michael MadsenGlen Greenwood
- Jayne AtkinsonAnnie Greenwood
- Michael IronsideDial
- Richard RiehleWade
- Mykelti WilliamsonDwight Mercer
- Michael BacallPerry
- Danielle HarrisGwenie
- Isaiah MaloneVector
Stills
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Shows like Free Willy
Themes
whalesocial workerfreedomsocial workportland, oregonhuman animal relationshipbest friendorphankiller whaleamusement parkaftercreditsstingeranimal human friendship