Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- earnest
- scenic
- suspenseful
- family movie night
- children's adventure viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film visually scenic but undermined by a routine story, weak direction, and unappealing performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jessie and Sean independently begin searching for their missing father after becoming frustrated with the authorities' inaction.
The children's search crosses mountainous terrain, storms, and isolated wilderness landscapes.
The children save a polar bear from a poacher, and the bear subsequently assists their journey.
Jake and his children have moved to Alaska after the death of their wife and mother.
Films like Alaska, and why
The Amazing Panda Adventure
shared family adventure structure, wilderness survival, and child protagonists confronting danger
The Journey of Natty Gann
shared child-centered wilderness adventure, animal companionship, and warm family themes
Free Willy
shared wildlife rescue, remote natural setting, and accessible family drama
Movie Details
- Director
- Fraser Clarke Heston
- Release Date
- 1996-08-14
- Runtime
- 109 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (149)
Cast
- Thora Birch
- Vincent Kartheiser
- Dirk Benedict
- Ben Cardinal
- Kristin Lehman
- Stephen E. Miller
- Don S. Davis
- Charlton Heston
- Duncan Fraser
- Gordon Tootoosis
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Alaska about?
- Two grieving siblings brave Alaska's mountains and a poacher's threat to rescue their missing pilot father with help from a polar bear.
- What is Alaska like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Alaska as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Alaska violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Alaska as mild.
- What did critics think of Alaska?
- Critics broadly found the film visually scenic but undermined by a routine story, weak direction, and unappealing performances.
- Which films are like Alaska?
- Films with a similar feel include The Amazing Panda Adventure, The Journey of Natty Gann, and Free Willy.
- How long is Alaska?
- Alaska runs 109 minutes.
- Where can I watch Alaska?
- In United States, Alaska is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
