The Whale 2011

Andy Webster, New York Times: A documentary ideal for schoolrooms, family viewing and discussion. Read more

Alison Willmore, Time Out: While The Whale indulges in hippyish sentiments about the connection between man and beast a little too often, the footage of Luna at play is singular and breathtaking. Read more

John Hartl, Seattle Times: A gorgeous and provocative film that consistently rises above its Flipper-ish genre. Read more

Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter: Serious-minded, thought-provoking animal documentary will have a lengthy life, mostly in ancillary markets. Read more

Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times: Thoughtful and moving, if often heavy-handed... Read more

Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger: This is not "Free Willy" - nor, unfortunately, is there quite enough here to sustain a feature-length documentary. Read more

Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News: Parents should know that the ending makes the last moments of this family-friendly documentary as tough as "Bambi." But the lessons about friendship are gigantic, indeed. Read more

Ronnie Scheib, Variety: Docu dotes on its adorable, highly photogenic star, but nonstop voiceover commentary and exclamations of wonderment tend to lessen rather than enhance its impact. Read more

Brian Miller, Village Voice: While they fluff up the conflict between the "no touching" feds and Luna-besotted locals, all parties are simply too polite, decent, and Canadian for any real drama. Read more

Stephanie Merry, Washington Post: There's no denying that filmmakers Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit captured spectacular shots of both wildlife and picturesque scenery of evergreen-lined water under vibrant pink sunsets. Read more