Drew Barrymore's new whale rescue movie "Big Miracle" is a big flop, according to box office estimates.

The movie, based on a real-life story, brought in a lowly $8.5 million during its opening weekend - almost $14 million behind newly-released hits "The Woman in Black" and "Chronicle."

"Chronicle," which follows the exploits of a group of teenagers with superpowers, led the box office with $22 million and Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe's thriller "The Woman in Black" also had a big debut with $21 million to come in a close second.

Kristen Bell had no trouble playing a TV reporter in upcoming movie "Big Miracle" because her news director dad helped prep her for the role.

In the film, which is based on a true story, Bell plays a local reporter covering an international rescue effort to free a family of whales trapped under the ice of the Arctic Circle.

And the actress didn't need to do too much research for the part because her journalist father often took her to work with him at a San Antonio, Texas news station.

She tells New York Magazine, "I grew up going to the station with him and being able to play with the T...

Two Jews on Film - By Joan Alperin Schwartz: Before I sat down to watch 'Big Miracle' directed by Ken Kwapis, I knew two things. That I was going to cry and that I was going to love this film. And I am happy to report... that's exactly what happened.

'Big Miracle' is a true story that takes place in 1988.

Regan is about to leave office and he's worried that his spotty environmental record will hurt the chances of George Bush Sr. from getting elected.
The Cold War is on the verge of ending, but Russia and the U.S. are far from being BFF'S.

Eskimos hunt whales for food and oil compa...

Sadly last week I had to miss “The Grey” due to some other commitments that popped up. I was excited to see it, so I’ll try and get to it soon. However as promised, I did post my interview with “Man on a Ledge” star Elizabeth Banks. Definitely give it a read if you haven’t already.

This week horror dominates the lineup at the box office with the Daniel Radcliffe period piece “The Woman in Black,” the mysterious sci-fi horror/thriller “Chronicle,” the low-budget haunted house movie “The Innkeepers,” and the sappy whale rescue tale “Big Miracle.”

MY PICK FOR THE WEEK: The Woman in B...