If you are looking for an intelligent
movie young and old can enjoy, "Free
Willy 3: The Recue" is a safe bet.
Jesse (Jason James Richter), now
older, has taken a job on board a boat
assisting his old friend, Randolph
(August Schellenberg), who is studying
whale activity.
Jesse uses the vessel's underwater
sound system to get Willy's attention,
and it works, of course. The learn
that Willy is about to become a father.
We are introduced to Max (Vincent Berry),
a boy who is going to take Jesse's place
as Willy's new friend.
Max's father, John Wesley (Patrick
Kilpatrick), is killing the whales and
selling the meat illegally through the
Japanese underground market at $200
a pound. When Max finds this out, John
tells him that this is what God made
them for, and that whales are dangerous.
Max soon learns that his dad is wrong,
so he and Jesse meet and together try to
stop the killing.
Typically, sequels never match the
original, especially if different
directors are brought in. (The "Batman"
films are a good example.)
"Free Willy 3" makes an exception to
the rule.
I highly recommend "Free Willy 3."
It is great family entertainment.
"Free Willy 3: The Rescue" is rated PG.