Extraordinary Measures is essentially a TV movie that reaches out farther by getting Hollywood actors and releasing the picture in the theaters. And because of that, I admire Extraordinary Measures even if I am being too sentimental. The Hollywood actors are Brendan Fraser and Keri Russell (as John and Aileen Crowley respectively) and Harrison Ford (as Dr. Robert Stonehill).
Based on a true story, the film recounts how Mr. Crowley teamed up with doctors to form a biotech company and find a drug to save two of his kids lives (they had been diagnosed with Pompe disease). In the movie, Dr. Stonehill (a fictional character) is based off of several other doctors who came up with drug. While not able to cure them fully, the drug could save their lives.
This pic bombed at the box-office and received harshly negative reviews. I actually enjoyed it probably because it's based off of a true story, and for that sole reason, it becomes one of the more inspiring films that I have watched lately.
I know that I probably am being too sentimental. Extraordinary Measures is somewhat predictable from the start, it certainly doesn't become the powerful movie it could have, and you constantly have this nagging feeling that you are almost watching a TV movie (the Hollywood actors turn that around somewhat).
Ford's only major successful film of the decade has been Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which itself wasn't that great of a movie. You can eaily tell that Ford is doing everything possible to reenergize his career. He even went as far as producing this pic.
The acting is satisfactory, but what really shines in Extraordinary Measures is the determination of parents to save their kids at any cost. That's alone what made me enjoy this pic for what it was. Even so, this is not a movie to watch for your enjoyment. Mostly, it's a film that provides an interesting look at the medical establishment, the relationship between a family, but other then that, the film comes off as one of those movies that can be used to kill some time. Directed by Tom Vaughan.
***/5
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