Free Willy 3: The Rescue

The latest entry in the Free Willy franchise, Free Willy 3: The Rescue continues the ocean-going adventures of Jesse (Jason James Richter), the troubled teen who learned responsibility through his love for a killer whale named Willy. This time out, Jesse and another boy (Vincent Berry) try to save Willy from (drum roll, please) whalers. Compared to other recent "family" entertainments--you know, the kind where someone breaks wind or gets kicked in the groin every two minutes--Free Willy 3 is actually fairly restrained and intelligent, if formulaic. That doesn't mean parents should be thrilled with merely competent filmmaking simply because it's less noxious than the alternatives. There is nothing actively insulting or offensive about the film, but there is nothing actively entertaining or enriching about it, either. Video is probably where this theatrical dud will find its natural audience: another choice for parents who just want something they can turn on for their kids without worrying. That's Free Willy 3 in a nutshell. An optional purchase, given the sell-through price. (S. Renshaw)