79
Metascore
14 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick GroenThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick GroenFree Willy (for some strange reason, that tiny imperative just gives me the giggles) is a family picture that stays safely within the haven of a cozy formula, yet does a whole lot of inventive work in the process.
- 90Washington PostHal HinsonWashington PostHal HinsonActually, the film's more serious side is beautifully balanced by the joy we experience as both Jesse and Willy come into their own.
- 90TimeRichard CorlissTimeRichard CorlissThe 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.
- 88Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThe 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.
- 80The New York TimesVincent CanbyThe New York TimesVincent CanbyHow each frees the other is the stuff of Free Willy, which is as engaging as such films can be without offering rude surprises.
- 80Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonThere are extremely touching moments between Jesse and mystical Randolph, who seems to understand just about everything; and, more tellingly, between Jesse and mechanic Jim.
- 67Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanIt'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.
- 63ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliThis 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.
- 60EmpireEmpireDespite a cliched plot and some ropey performances, this is still a well-made and entertaining children's film.
- 50Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenAustin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenIt's all pretty involving and sweetly ingratiating in a Charlotte's Web-by kind of way.