Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home

Plot synopsis:
It's been two years since Jesse saved and freed his orca friend, Willy. Jesse, now a teenager, has since been adopted by his foster parents, Glen and Annie Greenwood. Jesse and his adoptive parents are preparing to go on a family camping trip to the Pacific Northwest. Glen has been trying to teach Jesse to drive their motorboat, but Jesse is more interested in girls. Before they leave town, however, Dwight, Jesse's former social worker, shows up to inform them that they have found Jesse's biological mother, who abandoned him 8 years ago. Jesse's mother has died and left behind another son, Jesse's 8-year old half-brother named Elvis (Francis Capra). Elvis is morose, overly talkative, and mischievous, and he is also prone to telling lies and easily gets on Jesse's nerves. He is invited on their trip to San Juan Island so that he and Jesse might get to know each other.
At the environmental institute, Jesse reunites with his old Native American friend Randolph Johnson (August Schellenberg) whom Jesse met at the aquatic park when he met Willy. Jesse quickly becomes smitten with Randolph's attractive and kindly goddaughter, Nadine (Mary Kate Schellhardt). Jesse also tracks down and reunites with Willy. Jesse cautiously begins to show his interest in Nadine, and as the awkward teenagers grow closer, Jesse helps Nadine befriend Willy and his orca siblings, Luna and Little Spot. Elvis spies on the two, but at the same time, forms a bond with Willy's brother Little Spot.
As they continue to enjoy their camping trip, an oil tanker runs aground and spills oil into the ocean, trapping the three young killer whales in a small cove. When word gets out that the orcas are trapped and Luna is dying from the oil in her lungs, John Milner, the president of the oil company (Jon Tenney), arrives and announces a plan to move the orcas into captivity where they can recover from their injuries. His real plan, however, is to sell the orcas to marine mammal parks.
Randolph eventually uses an old Indian remedy that he administers to Luna, who recovers. Elvis and Jesse learn of Milner's real plan to lock up the whales, and they confront him, ruining his plans. Then, with Nadine, they get the orcas away from the cove by stealing the boat belonging to Glen and leading them out of the cove to safety. However, the tanker explodes, and the crude oil in the water catches fire. While the three whales swim under the flaming oil safely, the boat hits a rock and starts to sink. Elvis begins to panic and Jesse promises to not let anything happen to him. Nadine and Elvis are lifted into a rescue helicopter summoned by Randolph's distress signals, but Jesse ends up slipping and falls back into the ocean. The helicopter is unable to go back for him due to the heavy smoke and is forced to fly away. However, Jesse is rescued by Willy, who takes him under the flames, and delivers him to Glen, Annie and Randolph. Jesse, after taking a moment to say goodbye, sends Willy off back to his family.
Shortly after, the Coast Guard brings Nadine and Elvis to Randolph's boat. Elvis gives Jesse an old picture of him and their mother, and explains that he once ripped it up out of anger, but taped it back together for him. Elvis tells Jesse that their mother always talked about him and that she felt bad about abandoning him. Jesse thanks him for the picture and hugs him, finally able to put his past at rest. Glen and Annie decide to adopt Elvis so the brothers can stay together.

Tags: romantic

Review:
First of all, I have to say what I liked original Free Willy movie.
For some reasons Simon Wincer, who directed the first movie didn't return for making this sequel, though we can see again all major characters from Free Willy.
Our main hero, Jesse is now fourteen years old and he finds out that his mother passed away and he has a stepbrother named Elvis.
The whole family goes to the holiday trip in a camping near an ocean's cove where Jesse again meets his friend Randolph and Willy.
Willy found his family and all seems perfect for the friends but suddenly another danger threatens their friendship.
The movie was released in 1995, eight years before notorious tanker "Prestege" shipwrecked near Spanish coast and ruined hundred of miles of coastline, not to mention that millions living creatures got killed in the result.
It was a real message and it passed absolutely unnoticed because for many people these movies are just cheesy movies for kids only.
The other problem point of the movie is rather difficult and complicated relation between Jesse and his much younger stepbrother, Elvis (played by Francis Capra).
The story is basically good written and leaves some place for action and excellent scenes in the cove, including underwater shots.
Jason James Richter is as good as in original movie and Francis Capra also did a very good job as rather annoying Jesse's half-brother.
A very good movie for whole family and not a brainless laughable family entertainment that very often bring to us Hollywood studios.
A nice message for young audience that you must always think about defending the wild nature and what in real life there are more important things than money.My vote 8,2 out of 10 or between B+ and A-..
just as good as Free Willy!.
This movie is just as good as the original.
It was funny seeing Jesse impress Nadine by showing off his relationship with Willy.
The problem with the oil spill isn't original, but it reminds us to always keep a look out for the orcas' safety.
If you want the excitement and thrilling adventure that you got in the first movie, check this one out asap.
Let go of your "Save The Whales" placards, allow FREE WILLY 2: THE ADVENTURE HOME do the job for you.
If you thought the original FREE WILLY had enough "Free the Whales" slogans to match a 3-ton Orca's weight, FREE WILLY 2 is even bigger, with its environmentalist propaganda that is!
FREE WILLY 2 is much more predictable, with a by-th-numbers storyline that might just entertain the kids and give adults a toothache from all its sweetness.
Still, for what its worth, FREE WILLY 2 is enjoyable family affair.
After leaving Willy (Keiko, assisted by an animatronic and CG double) from his leap of faith in the original's finale, Willy faces a new threat, this time outside the confines of a small tank.
The story also provides him a sort-of-girlfriend (Mary Kate Schellhardt) with a deep concern for the environment (Couldn't this movie ever be more nature-friendly?) and even a little brother named Elvis (Francis Capra), who is just so...
Not that the film is crowded with good guys, bad guys and beleaguered whales, but why did they actually think that this kid, annoying and a bit spoiled at some point, would deepen the film's emotional level?
Why they think a kid as nearly annoying as Elvis (who's simply annoying quips are more than enough to drive you to the breaking point) would be a good way to stretch Jessie's character, I really don't know.Still, as family entertainment, FREE WILLY 2 does just about enough for a mild recommendation.
The photography is adequate, capturing on film a lively shot of its environments and, of course the whales.
free willy 2: the adventure home i think is a good movie, but i still prefer the first free willy movie.
The movie starts with Willy with his family, Randolph (Now a best friend to Jesse) hears willy's whale voice, he records the voice and is chuffed to show it to Jesse when ie sees him.
Randolph sets out to collect Jesse to take him to the sea and to see Willy again, Jesse can't believe his eyes when he sees willy and is amazed to see him as a bigger whale.
Things become worse for the whales as oil is spreaded all over the sea, Luna (Willy's sister) is in danger as the oil gets into her lungs, Jesse starts to panic and calls Randolph, Jesse alos has a half brother called Elvis who is an 8 year old kid, He always wanted to help the whale but jesse's foster parent say that he is too young, he then runs away and then comes back.
Things become eveen worse when fire spreads with the oil still, in the sea, nadean and elvis are rescued but jesse loses grip of holding onto the ladders, Willy saves him by going under the flames and bringing him to safety.
Keiko, Richter, Schellenberg, Madsen, Atkinson, and Williamson all return for a new adventure about friendship and family.
Two years after setting Willy free, Jesse is still rebellious, but nothing very bad.
But everything is put in danger when an oil spill traps Willy and his family and endangers their habitat.
Regardless, all Free Willy movies are great for nostalgia sake, whether you originally liked them or not.
Gorgeous photography - even better than Free Willy.
Aware and knowing that it has a sequel-B movie vibe on it.That being said I think this movie is pretty decent for it's level.
And I think those are enough for a good family moment.For size, you can see how the camera works to find the emotion of Willy the whale.
I love the original free Willy of course but for some reason I always liked this one more.
It's great for what it is and is simply a nice movie for the whole family.
A sequel to the money making blockbuster original about a runaway who befriends a killer whale and the adventures they face.
Decent sequel to a very pleasant family film.
I really enjoyed the first film, it was sweet and cute, and elevated to a greater level by that wonderful killer whale Keiko who played Willy.
I do agree the story isn't as good or as believable this time around, the script lacks sparkle and the direction isn't as clever.
Free Willy 2 mayn't be the most fast-paced movie ever made, but it moves briskly, and the message is admirable.
What makes the movie charming though is the cast, Jason James Richter is still very likable and Francis Capra is funny and natural here.
If you've seen my comment on the original "Free Willy", which is not a positive one, you might be wondering why I'm reviewing this sequel, why I would have bothered watching it.
Since I didn't like the original 1993 film when I watched it recently, it's no surprise I'm not too impressed with this 1995 sequel, either.It has been two years since Jesse brought Willy, the orca whale, back to his natural habitat.
The two haven't seen each other since then, but Jesse is happy living with his foster parents, Glen and Annie Greenwood.
However, the teenager is not happy when he is informed that his birth mother has just died, and his younger half-brother, Elvis, is coming to live with them.
Jesse and Elvis do not get along, and their conflict continues on a camping trip with their foster parents, on which they have to share a tent.
On this trip, Jesse finally sees Willy again, and also reunites with his friend, Randolph.
Randolph introduces his goddaughter, Nadine, whom Jesse quickly falls in love with.
Trouble comes when an oil tanker crashes and spills its contents into the water, threatening the lives of the whales!
While Jesse and others attempt to save these whales, Elvis has problems of his own.I didn't care much for many of the characters in the original film, but this sequel introduces Elvis, played by Francis Capra, and he might be slightly worse than any character featured in the 1993 smash hit family movie.
Basically, most aspects of this movie weren't done so well, including the conflict between Jesse and Elvis, which may be a little extreme at times, and the teen romance between Jesse and Nadine.
Like the original, there is some tension, and also maybe a few poignant moments, but at times, it may try too hard, or not hard enough.
I didn't even know the artist was Michael Jackson when I watched the film.It seems "Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home" is less popular than the original "Free Willy", even though some critics considered it superior.
I've explained why I decided to watch and review this sequel, but since I've never seen the final installment in the trilogy, 1997's "Free Willy 3: The Rescue" (which appears to be even less popular), to this day, I don't intend to watch it.
the best thing about this movie is that there are more scenes with the whales.other than that,i can't say i liked it very much.it is shorter than the first one,but feels a lot longer.this movie felt too much like an ecology lesson to me,and it wasn't subtle either.i just found the whole thing overwrought,and i though there was a bit of overacting going on.they had a subplot going on,which i didn't think was necessary,but that's just me.there were some emotional scenes,but i felt like i was being manipulated.towards the end,there are a few tense moments,but overall,the movie is disappointing.if it weren't for the scenes with the whales,this would be a 1 or 2 star movie.i guess for me,Free Willy 2 is a 4/10.
Compared with The Big Blue, Free Willy 2 just have the ocean in common .
Most of the supporting cast from the 1993 cult classic "Free Willy" is back for the sequel, which hit theaters before an excited crowd of youngsters and their parents in 1995.
But the cheer-inducing magic that I loved so much in the original has gone in "Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home" which isn't quite the adventure that the title seems to hint at.
It's got the typical monotonous, rushed feeling that I tend to find most sequels have and while it's far from a disaster, it is a letdown from the warmness and nostalgia-stirring charm that I adored so much in the original film.In the last movie, the beloved orca Willy (Keiko) leaped to safety from greedy marine park owners and escaped to the wild while the little boy he befriended, Jesse (Jason James Richter) finally came to peace with his foster parents.
Two years later, Willy is still running free in the wild with his kin and the boy is reaching that age.
His estranged mother has passed away and so he and his foster parents have to take the unwanted, obnoxious brat from New York (Francis Capra) on their camping trip.
Jesse's not so interested in camping, but more in meeting up with his old friend (August Schellenberg), his pretty goddaughter (Mart Kate Shellhardt), and of course, lovable Willy and his family.
But things take a turn for the worse when an oil tanker runs aground in the cove where the whales are living and it's then that I realized "Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home" should have been titled "Free Willy 2: The Escape" because that's more of what it's about.
Marketable.Everything that I loved so much in the first movie has been watered down here.
Whereas I could really feel the majesty and the amazing presence of Willy and the other whales in the first film, here it seems more like placid outtakes from a rather cheap documentary, as if the cast cheering at the sight of Willy were doing so at pictures and not the real thing.
Amazing as it sounds, but even though his namesake is the title of the movie, Willy has very little to do with the movie at all.
Maybe the reason I've never bought teenage love stories in movies is because I don't believe in them.
The point is: their scenes together go on forever but leave about as much impact as a speck of sand on the wing of a plane.The first two acts of "Free Willy 2" are really slow-going.
The movie is well-shot...most of the time.
Now I saw this movie more than ten years ago, as a child, having fallen in love with the original film.
I love this movie, it's not the best that I ever saw but it really good.
The movies of free Willy are all really good I know that in the end they say the no one got hurt but still you never know unless your really there.
Like in free Willy 2 the whales got oil all over them and all most died I know they really did not die but still..
The reason that they made this movie is because warner brothers needed to let people know about what was happening with that whale in person.
even though keiko's family was there it was still not a good place for him to be do to the drama most of the orca's were experiencing.
the only thing i didn't get is why didn't the free willy foundation sell keiko to anyone that can afford to take care of him in person.
I went in to this sequel fully preparing to hate it, but, to my surprise, it is a much better movie than the first.
Two years later, Jesse is still living with Vincent Vega's brother and is none-to-happy to discover that he has a bratty brother of his own but soon forgets about that when he discovers Willy has returned to Astoria.
Nothing like a cold, hostile female character to make your movie work, huh?
Though, Elvis, his new sibling, is desperate to join in on the fun.Everything is happy (and going nowhere) until Captain Murphy from Lethal Weapon crashes an oil tanker and pollutes the water, trapping Willy and his pod.
Jesse's attempts at rescuing them are ignored by the adults though he eventually takes matters into his own hands when the ocean catches fire, making for a far more exciting climax than the original movie.Director Dwight H.
The scenes of the burning ocean at the end look amazing and the story of Jesse bonding with his new brother makes for much better drama than the mucky schmaltz of the original.It ain't perfect, and the villains seem shoehorned in there as they appear and disappear within 10 minutes, but this really is one of those times when a sequel outdoes the first, and it's mad that it barely made back its budget.
I find it appalling that the lead actors in Free Willy 2 were paid off to express their support for such a jail for orcas.
I find it doubly reprehensible because in the advertisement (as in the movie), it is acknowledged and repeated that these animals spend their entire lives in the company of their families.
The character of the oil company representative in the film said it best in the coffee shop at the dock: "Just as long as we make it seem like we have the whales' best interest in mind".
I would have given this film a seven-star rating because of the decent acting, good direction and potent environmental message.
Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home.
The original film is a fun family feature with a lovable friendly creature the world fell in love with, and this sequel isn't absolutely terrible.
Basically its been two years since boy Jesse (Jason James Richter) helped Willy the killer whale (played by Keiko) to jump to freedom, and when his true mother dies, Jesse gains a half-brother with trouble-maker Elvis (Francis Capra, no relation to director Frank).
While on a camping trip Jesse meets Willy again in the open water, where he has found his mother and brothers, oh, and his human Indian friend who looks after the family, Randolph (August Schellenberg).
Jesse also meets and falls for Randolf's goddaughter Nadine (Mary Kate Schellhardt), and she is astonished to see Willy let Jesse ride his back.
Willy and his family hit jeopardy when a large oil tanker crashes spilling its load into the water, and there is also a point when the oil catches fire, and Jesse is determined to help them.
So while the story isn't very original, it is the whales that keep you hooked, and the end credits song, "Forever Young" by The Pretenders.
In my opinion, none of the sequels can stand up to the first, though this one is pretty good.
Elvis is portrayed perfectly as the delightfully annoying pest of a little brother, though his character development is shown well as the movie progresses.
It felt nice to watch Elvis and Jesse grow closer until the ending, where it seemed as though they had grown up together and shared a bond.
Nadine is a nice addition to the cast of characters, providing Jesse with a love interest.
It was nice to watch their bond develop and grow as the movie went on as well.
The only complaint I have about the acting is the scene at the dock where Jesse is first reunited with Willy (aside from having seen him from a distance on Randolph's boat).
The robots in this movie were phenomenal, though in the scenes where Jesse introduces Nadine to Willy, and the ending after Willy saves Jesse from the fire, some of the paint on the chin spots is visibly missing (half of one of the spots is gone) and in some scenes it appears as though the spots in Willy's right eye-patch aren't there at all.
Overall, a good movie with a good message to spread.