50
Metascore
7 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75RogerEbert.comNick AllenRogerEbert.comNick AllenThe biggest success for A Whale of a Tale is in how it corrects the biggest flaw of “The Cove,” which came from an inclination we all have: to cast real life people as one-dimensional heroes and villains; good and evil.
- 70Village VoiceVillage VoiceTogether, these voices paint a complex picture of the clash between globalism and a fast-disappearing localism.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckA Whale of a Tale delivers a thoughtful riposte to The Cove even while providing plenty of opportunity for those opposed to the practice of killing or capturing whales and dolphins to make their case.
- 67Film Journal InternationalNick SchagerFilm Journal InternationalNick SchagerA Whale of a Tale only skims the surface of the many matters it raises, be it cultural imperialism, tradition, animal rights and socioeconomic necessities. Still, its objective approach, and subtle plea for middle-ground compromise, makes it a worthwhile addendum to Psihoyos’ celebrated predecessor.
- 63Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreThe result is a film that lacks fury and outrage, that straddles a morally murky fence. It’s not that Whale of a Tale lacks a point of view, it’s that it lacks conviction about any point of view.
- 40Los Angeles TimesRobert AbeleLos Angeles TimesRobert AbeleA Whale of a Tale is an unfortunately directionless, low-gear rebuttal that hardly ever stirs up emotions as effectively as “The Cove” did.
- 30The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisThe New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisA Whale of a Tale is a rambling blend of complaint, tourism and straw-men arguments. What it’s not is persuasive.