60
Despite a cliched plot and some ropey performances, this is still a well-made and entertaining children's film.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
80
Washington Post by Desson Thomson
There are extremely touching moments between Jesse and mystical Randolph, who seems to understand just about everything; and, more tellingly, between Jesse and mechanic Jim.
90
Actually, the film's more serious side is beautifully balanced by the joy we experience as both Jesse and Willy come into their own.
63
ReelViews by 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.
50
Austin Chronicle by Marjorie Baumgarten
It's all pretty involving and sweetly ingratiating in a Charlotte's Web-by kind of way.
67
Entertainment Weekly by 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.
90
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.
100
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by Rick Groen
Free 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.
88
Chicago Sun-Times by 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.
80
The New York Times by 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.