Extraordinary Measures (C or 2/4 stars)
There's nothing extraordinary about 'Extraordinary Measures', a drama directed by Tom Vaughan. The film begins by introducing us to John Crowley, a work horse who has begun to taste success in corporate America; and Aileen (Keri Russell), his smart, attractive, supporting wife. They're the parents of 3 kids; the youngest 2, Megan (Meredith Droeger) & Patrick (Diego Velazquez), are afflicted with Pompe disease, a rare gene disorder (not unlike muscular dystrophy) that will eventually kill them. When John's daughter nearly dies, he is inspired to take action, quitting his profitable job & teaming up with the brilliant, but unappreciated researcher, Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford), who believes he is mightily close to finding a cure - if only he can get the funding for further research.
There's is an unlikely alliance, but one that forms both a mutual respect of each other, as well as a bio-tech company focused on developing a life-saving drug. But getting the necessary capital to succeed proves harder than either the cantankerous Robert or the kind-natured John expects, & both are forced to make major compromises. Robert wants to prove himself & his scientific theories. John wants to save his children. But the kids are getting weaker & a doctor's prognosis gives them less than 1 yr. to live.
I suppose you can call this a feel-good "inspired by true events" drama; though, there's very little drama, a lack of stellar acting, & a high quotient of sentimentality. I'm reminded on 1992's Lorenzo's Oil, which tells a similar story arc, but much better. The most interesting aspect of this movie involves the politicking that goes on to keep the drug development moving forward. That said, a lot of dense, medical terminology & boardroom technicalities are thrown at us during the politicking (usually from Harrison Ford's mouth) is difficult to comprehend. And since we don't know what he's talking about, & since we know he's just reciting empty dialogue - it's all a big fat no one cares.
Don't get me wrong, it's an inspiring story that's based in fact. It's an easy watch. We're comfortable watching the likes of Brendan Fraser, Harrison Ford, & Keri Russell try to help the children with every fiber of their being. And the last 5 heartwarming minutes are quite effective (bolstering my rating up to 2 stars). But overall, I can't give it a recommendation because the film is INHERENTLY un-cinematic. The production values are nil. The musical score is as sappy as you can get. The movie unfolds in a dullish manner. The last Act felt rushed. And the movie is as unexceptional as they come (something you'd find in a made-for-TV-movie ... and likely change the channel). The performances are 'nice'. But the hefty subject matter deserved a better movie.
There's is an unlikely alliance, but one that forms both a mutual respect of each other, as well as a bio-tech company focused on developing a life-saving drug. But getting the necessary capital to succeed proves harder than either the cantankerous Robert or the kind-natured John expects, & both are forced to make major compromises. Robert wants to prove himself & his scientific theories. John wants to save his children. But the kids are getting weaker & a doctor's prognosis gives them less than 1 yr. to live.
I suppose you can call this a feel-good "inspired by true events" drama; though, there's very little drama, a lack of stellar acting, & a high quotient of sentimentality. I'm reminded on 1992's Lorenzo's Oil, which tells a similar story arc, but much better. The most interesting aspect of this movie involves the politicking that goes on to keep the drug development moving forward. That said, a lot of dense, medical terminology & boardroom technicalities are thrown at us during the politicking (usually from Harrison Ford's mouth) is difficult to comprehend. And since we don't know what he's talking about, & since we know he's just reciting empty dialogue - it's all a big fat no one cares.
Don't get me wrong, it's an inspiring story that's based in fact. It's an easy watch. We're comfortable watching the likes of Brendan Fraser, Harrison Ford, & Keri Russell try to help the children with every fiber of their being. And the last 5 heartwarming minutes are quite effective (bolstering my rating up to 2 stars). But overall, I can't give it a recommendation because the film is INHERENTLY un-cinematic. The production values are nil. The musical score is as sappy as you can get. The movie unfolds in a dullish manner. The last Act felt rushed. And the movie is as unexceptional as they come (something you'd find in a made-for-TV-movie ... and likely change the channel). The performances are 'nice'. But the hefty subject matter deserved a better movie.