“A MOVIE MIRACLE”
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Harrison Ford, Keri Russell, Meredith Droeger, Jared Harris and Alan Ruck
Directed by: Tom Vaughan
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic material, language, and a mild suggestive moment.
Genre: Drama, Adaptation and Biopic
Release Date: January 2010
By John Delia
I like the true story Extraordinary Measures for the message it sends and the hope that it gives to people with debilitating illnesses, but the film lacks heart. For the most part the acting is listless and direction just adequate. For those who are agonizing over wanting to see a true story involving medical discoveries, then this film should be a cure.
John Crowley (Fraser) is just a hard working sales executive who climbing the ladder to success. His family however, has had a rough time surviving the plight of two of their adolescent children Megan and Patrick that have been diagnosed with a fatal disease that could take their lives at any time. His wife Aileen (Russell) has been diligent but has not been able to see a favorable end for her children. Pressed for time, John seeks out Dr. Robert Stonehill (Ford) a brilliant scientist who feels that his formula for a life saving drug is the one to cure Megan and Patrick and those who are cursed with the disease. When they team up to form a biotech company however, a progressive competitor gets in their way.
The movie has a lot going for it in the way of discovery and relationships providing a message to drug producers that need to involve their scientists in getting workable medicines to the public. Extraordinary Measures is just that, exerting what it takes to achieve a means to successful end.
The acting in the film, although reasonably good, unfortunately provides a production that looks like a daytime soap opera. I could not grasp any heartfelt love between John and Aileen in order to connect with
them in their struggle. And Ford’s character was not compassionate enough in his task to come up with the serum for me to like him. This I blame on direction as the A-list actors certainly have the ability to follow Tom Vaughan’s lead and deliver the needed performances.
The film is rated PG for thematic material, language, and a mild suggestive moment none of which should bother any youngsters that may have to accompany an adult.
FINAL ANALYSIS:Â An above average med film but lacks heart. (3.5 of 5 Palm Trees)