I was in high school when this came out and remember the little bit of notoriety this got but didn't really care to see it. After seeing it 30 years later it was an ok movie but the free Willy part didn't come until there were only about 30 minutes left. This is an almost 2 hour movie. Considering most of the movie dealt with the relationship between the boy and whale a better title was warranted. I know I know, the "Free Willy" title is supposed to grab you and reel you in. That said the free Willy part of the movie was actually pretty good drama/action. This movie would win an Oscar now because of the title and ending.
Review of Free Willy
