The faceplate reviewer goes out of his way to pan the leads, Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser as being too old, curmudgeonly and too fat and weepy. OK. Thanks for expressing those opinions, which, BTW, I don't share. Yes. There's no doubt this is a sentimental flick with great emotional overtones and certainly qualifies as a three hanky job. Seeing children suffer, whether they're cute, charming, cuddly or not, is not pleasant. But, the fact that there are these kinds of kids who endure the ravages of disease stemming from their own bodies is a sad reality and I would argue it takes a pretty stern person to consider these conditions unemotionally. The movie is based on a book and like any biopic, a certain amount of license is taken in bringing the story to the screen. However, the story is never maudlin. The script is full of sentiment but never slips down to the level of being overly sentimental. In effect, it's a tale of people with various agendas driven by the desperation of a father trying to help his children from dying an early death. There is no deus ex machina, here. The conflicts which impede the goal largely stem from the personal agendas of the players in the drama. Sound familiar? You bet. That's what good writing is all about and when life imitates myth, it's even better. This is a good movie. Go see it. And, if you do so without puddling up at the eyeballs, you're made of sterner stuff than me.
72 Reviews
Hollywood's formulaic and generic version of real life
napierslogs21 August 2010
"Extraordinary Measures" is one of those "feel-good", "inspirational" films which is actually feel-good and inspirational but in a very generic kind-of-way.
Brendan Fraser awkwardly stars as a businessman who desperately hopes that "they" will find a cure for Pompe disease, which two of his children are dying from. As you would expect, he stays up late researching trying to find the latest advances. This teams him up with Harrison Ford, an unpersonable scientist, who also provides the few comic relief moments.
Based on a true story, but in such a way that although the overall story may come from real life, all the events shown are surely fictional. It's dramatic when we need it to be and things work out when we need them to - way too formulaic and tidy for real life. They tell us some of the science behind the cure, which is of course nonsense, but it's supposed to get the audience more invested in what's happening; however, it's just a reminder that this is Hollywood not real life.
Let me go back to the beginning, "Extraordinary Measures" is feel-good and inspirational, and if you like those types of movies, this one plays out exactly as it's supposed to. You'll get swept up into the story and cry when you're supposed to. Everything is right on cue.
Brendan Fraser awkwardly stars as a businessman who desperately hopes that "they" will find a cure for Pompe disease, which two of his children are dying from. As you would expect, he stays up late researching trying to find the latest advances. This teams him up with Harrison Ford, an unpersonable scientist, who also provides the few comic relief moments.
Based on a true story, but in such a way that although the overall story may come from real life, all the events shown are surely fictional. It's dramatic when we need it to be and things work out when we need them to - way too formulaic and tidy for real life. They tell us some of the science behind the cure, which is of course nonsense, but it's supposed to get the audience more invested in what's happening; however, it's just a reminder that this is Hollywood not real life.
Let me go back to the beginning, "Extraordinary Measures" is feel-good and inspirational, and if you like those types of movies, this one plays out exactly as it's supposed to. You'll get swept up into the story and cry when you're supposed to. Everything is right on cue.
Extraordinary Measures is a pretty compelling based on a true story drama starring Brandan Fraser and Harrison Ford
tavm8 February 2010
Just watched this true life drama starring Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser at the theatre with my friend who works there. Not the kind we normally go to see but since this film had only one afternoon showing time for the days of this week, we felt it was worth a look. The leads were pretty good for the characters they played and provided enough drama to make their admiration for each other clear despite some disagreements. The two handicapped kids of Fraser's character provided both humor and some genuine touching moments that didn't go overboard. Also fine was Keri Russell as Brandan's wife and Courtney B. Vance as another parent with similarly diseased kids who tells his family's story to a captive audience. My favorite scenes are those involving Ford's doctor character constantly playing classic rock songs in his lab to the consternation of everyone else there. Extraordinary Measures is perhaps not a great drama, but it provides enough moments that make this worthy entertainment.
I enjoyed "Extraordinary Measures"
stephenrtod2 February 2010
Harrison Ford still displays great instincts both as an actor and as an executive producer. I believed in his character whole-heartedly, and convincingly-so as the movie unfolded the story. Brendan Fraser is also very convincing as a decent, but desperate and resourceful father. This is a movie that made me want to read the book, research the real issues.
I especially like the way the audience is increasingly drawn in, not only to the family seeking Dr. Stonehill's cutting edge medical research, but, moreover, in to the very lives of other families enduring a plight similar to the family of the main protagonists.
The movie is strong in terms of not over-playing the sentiment, which it would have been so easy to do.
I especially like the way the audience is increasingly drawn in, not only to the family seeking Dr. Stonehill's cutting edge medical research, but, moreover, in to the very lives of other families enduring a plight similar to the family of the main protagonists.
The movie is strong in terms of not over-playing the sentiment, which it would have been so easy to do.
Fighting Big Pharma to save the kids
Chris Knipp22 January 2010
'Extraordinary Measures' is based on a true story of a Big Pharma executive and venture capitalist who pushed for a cure for an inherited disease that was going to kill two of his young children. Harrison Ford isn't particularly convincing as a brilliant, solitary scientist, and Brendan Fraser is too soft and weepy for the venture capitalist dad. The music is soppy, the images are without character and a little washed out, and the story verges on movie-of-the-week formulaic. But the director, Tom Vaughan('What Happens in Vegas'), has created a balance so that instead of being just another tear-jerker medical melodrama this is a movie that teaches you something about how the world works. You get the adorable dying kids and the doting, desperate parents, but the drama of how a commercial lab functions may be the more exciting and interesting one, and gets more screen time.
Hollywood sees Harrison as a sexy old guy, but he's become so locked into curmudgeonly roles he seems every bit his sixty-seven years. Fraser has retired from being a comical hunk ('Encino Man,' 'George of the Jungle') to forty-something pudginess: he's a tall man with a soft face and a bit of a gut. This is in part a buddy picture about how an unlikely male couple bonds. Crusty biochemist Robert Stonehill (Ford, playing a composite figure tailored to his needs) and mid-level Birstol-Myers Squibb executive John Crowley (Fraser) find each other, because two of Crowley's children (he has an older boy who's healthy) have been diagnosed with Pompe disease, a rare and fatal neuromuscular disorder in which children's organs and muscles degenerate due to an inability to process glycogen. Crowley finds Stonehill in Nebraska, with a brilliant theory about an enzyme cure, but without the dough to get it ready for clinical trials.
So Crowley leaves Birstol-Myers Squibb and starts an independent research company for Stonehill. But then that isn't working fast enough, so he decides to sell his company to a bigger corporation that can provide more researchers and more labs. This makes both men rich but also makes Stonehill furious; he wasn't consulted. Stonehill drives a Ford truck, wears Wrangler jeans and a blue blazer and carries a metal attaché case, yells a lot, kicks people out of his lab, and plays loud rock music there, indifferent to his neighbors.
But a more fundamental conflict for Crowley is that corporate executive Dr. Kent Webber, a hard-nosed and unfriendly M.D. played by Jared Harris, sets up four research teams, and wants them to work separately and competitively. Why not share their findings? And for Crowley, despite his differences with Stonehill, he's the man who's going to find the enzyme. But Crowley has to deal with the corporate hierarchy, with an even scarier guy called Erich Loring (Patrick Bauchau) as CEO.
The teams, with Stonehill's approval, arrive at an enzyme worthy of clinical trial. The Crowley kids, Megan (Meredith Droeger) and Patrick (Diego Velazquez) are in wheel chairs now with aids to their breathing, but their dad and mom (Keri Russell) entertain them with birthday parties and computer games and beach picnics. They live in a very large house thanks to the success of venture capital. On the beach dad gets a call from the chilly Dr. Webber: sorry, your kids can't be in the trial, because it will be restricted to the very young. And don't fight this: as a company executive, you have a clear conflict of interest.
How this turns out is part of the movie's climax and though the ending brings tears to your eyes if you respond to adorable tykes in hospital beds, it is more about how scientists battle businessmen in the American drug system, and how the tricky protocols of clinical trials work for individuals and for the society. Vaughan conveys a sense of the parents' devotion, but downplays their difficulties in surviving as a couple under such stress. Poor John Jr. (Sam Hall), the older boy, has a pretty small role to play here too.
If the film is just above the generic, the material is special. With its name stars and emotional story that gives a human face to drug research, 'Extraordinary Measures' may have a chance of making people more aware not only of glycogen storage disease, but of the conflicted apparatus that arrives at cures. The movie is based on Boston reporter Geeta Anand's book, 'The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million - And Bucked the Medical Establishment - in a Quest to Save His Children' and the story is quite recent; the book came out in 2006 and the drug Myozyme for the treatment of Pompe disease became available in 2007.
Don't go to 'Extraordinary Measures' looking for cinematic art. But don't be too brutal with it either. It conveys worthwhile information.
Hollywood sees Harrison as a sexy old guy, but he's become so locked into curmudgeonly roles he seems every bit his sixty-seven years. Fraser has retired from being a comical hunk ('Encino Man,' 'George of the Jungle') to forty-something pudginess: he's a tall man with a soft face and a bit of a gut. This is in part a buddy picture about how an unlikely male couple bonds. Crusty biochemist Robert Stonehill (Ford, playing a composite figure tailored to his needs) and mid-level Birstol-Myers Squibb executive John Crowley (Fraser) find each other, because two of Crowley's children (he has an older boy who's healthy) have been diagnosed with Pompe disease, a rare and fatal neuromuscular disorder in which children's organs and muscles degenerate due to an inability to process glycogen. Crowley finds Stonehill in Nebraska, with a brilliant theory about an enzyme cure, but without the dough to get it ready for clinical trials.
So Crowley leaves Birstol-Myers Squibb and starts an independent research company for Stonehill. But then that isn't working fast enough, so he decides to sell his company to a bigger corporation that can provide more researchers and more labs. This makes both men rich but also makes Stonehill furious; he wasn't consulted. Stonehill drives a Ford truck, wears Wrangler jeans and a blue blazer and carries a metal attaché case, yells a lot, kicks people out of his lab, and plays loud rock music there, indifferent to his neighbors.
But a more fundamental conflict for Crowley is that corporate executive Dr. Kent Webber, a hard-nosed and unfriendly M.D. played by Jared Harris, sets up four research teams, and wants them to work separately and competitively. Why not share their findings? And for Crowley, despite his differences with Stonehill, he's the man who's going to find the enzyme. But Crowley has to deal with the corporate hierarchy, with an even scarier guy called Erich Loring (Patrick Bauchau) as CEO.
The teams, with Stonehill's approval, arrive at an enzyme worthy of clinical trial. The Crowley kids, Megan (Meredith Droeger) and Patrick (Diego Velazquez) are in wheel chairs now with aids to their breathing, but their dad and mom (Keri Russell) entertain them with birthday parties and computer games and beach picnics. They live in a very large house thanks to the success of venture capital. On the beach dad gets a call from the chilly Dr. Webber: sorry, your kids can't be in the trial, because it will be restricted to the very young. And don't fight this: as a company executive, you have a clear conflict of interest.
How this turns out is part of the movie's climax and though the ending brings tears to your eyes if you respond to adorable tykes in hospital beds, it is more about how scientists battle businessmen in the American drug system, and how the tricky protocols of clinical trials work for individuals and for the society. Vaughan conveys a sense of the parents' devotion, but downplays their difficulties in surviving as a couple under such stress. Poor John Jr. (Sam Hall), the older boy, has a pretty small role to play here too.
If the film is just above the generic, the material is special. With its name stars and emotional story that gives a human face to drug research, 'Extraordinary Measures' may have a chance of making people more aware not only of glycogen storage disease, but of the conflicted apparatus that arrives at cures. The movie is based on Boston reporter Geeta Anand's book, 'The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million - And Bucked the Medical Establishment - in a Quest to Save His Children' and the story is quite recent; the book came out in 2006 and the drug Myozyme for the treatment of Pompe disease became available in 2007.
Don't go to 'Extraordinary Measures' looking for cinematic art. But don't be too brutal with it either. It conveys worthwhile information.
Good medical drama with an excellent performance by Harrison Ford - but could've have been much better...
saarvardi1 October 2010
I recently had the pleasure of renting a DVD copy of the based on true events drama Extraordinary Measures (2010), in which Harrison Ford turns out a very dramatic and moving role (didn't you guys wonder where he went after Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull?).
Unfortunately, the film as a whole is less than the sum of its parts (i'll soon get to the main reason why). What it does have is a moving script about a father (Brandon Frazer) who's willing to do everything to save his two ill kids, who suffer from Pompei Disease. To that end, he turns to Harrison Ford's character, who is sort of a loner and quite an eccentric medical researcher, who developed a theory that might prevent the disease from progressing. Ford practically saves the film with his quirky performance, one which I found that really suits his older and more mature persona (like seen in his recent indie turn, Crossing Over, which came out in early 2009).
Too bad Frazer couldn't carry the rest of the weight of the film properly, and gave a performance that seems like its more fitting to a Hallmark drama than a haunting family drama - because the characters, overall story and especially Ford could've easily added up to much, much more. I gave it a strong, but not great, 7 out of 10.
Unfortunately, the film as a whole is less than the sum of its parts (i'll soon get to the main reason why). What it does have is a moving script about a father (Brandon Frazer) who's willing to do everything to save his two ill kids, who suffer from Pompei Disease. To that end, he turns to Harrison Ford's character, who is sort of a loner and quite an eccentric medical researcher, who developed a theory that might prevent the disease from progressing. Ford practically saves the film with his quirky performance, one which I found that really suits his older and more mature persona (like seen in his recent indie turn, Crossing Over, which came out in early 2009).
Too bad Frazer couldn't carry the rest of the weight of the film properly, and gave a performance that seems like its more fitting to a Hallmark drama than a haunting family drama - because the characters, overall story and especially Ford could've easily added up to much, much more. I gave it a strong, but not great, 7 out of 10.
Fine watchable unsurprising
SnoopyStyle19 November 2013
John (Brendan Fraser) and Aileen Crowley (Keri Russell) have two children with Pompe Disease. It's a genetic disease that most can only hope to survive until they're 9. Their daughter Megan just turn 8. They recruit the crotchety researcher Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford), and together they face hurdles and each other as they race to find a treatment.
This reminded me of other movies of its kind like 'Lorenzo's Oil'. It's the basic movie of parents heroically battling their children's disease facing insurmountable odds. The three leads do an admirable job. There isn't many surprises or originality in the story. It's fine as an underdog story. It's a good TV movie souped up with first class movie stars.
The venture capital part is a bit different, but it's probably not as cinematic as it needs to be. They did as much as they could. Every once in awhile, they stick a knife in like 'Acceptable loss' but it doesn't make it compelling.
This reminded me of other movies of its kind like 'Lorenzo's Oil'. It's the basic movie of parents heroically battling their children's disease facing insurmountable odds. The three leads do an admirable job. There isn't many surprises or originality in the story. It's fine as an underdog story. It's a good TV movie souped up with first class movie stars.
The venture capital part is a bit different, but it's probably not as cinematic as it needs to be. They did as much as they could. Every once in awhile, they stick a knife in like 'Acceptable loss' but it doesn't make it compelling.
Worth the price of a ticket
bjones23 January 2010
I went to see this film with some personal trepidation, but the lure of a possibly good story drew me in. I can say I wasn't disappointed. It's often difficult to objectively assess the work in a contemporary film because much of the surroundings seem common place. I can say that the sets, art direction and costuming seemed to be a comfortable fit and lent it a sense of realism that I appreciated and that also happened to add to the fine production quality of the film.
But as must be the case in a film of this nature, the quality ultimately comes down to the efforts invested by the director and his cadre of accomplished actors. Their efforts certainly didn't disappoint me. The lion's share of the load was placed squarely on the shoulders of Brendan Fraser as John Crowley. I had a personal sense of justice on the line with how well he might do. There were several scenes that rang true to life for me; his portrayal of the internally tortured, desperate and determined father of two terminally ill children made me feel he did such real fathers justice. I think I can say that because I once was one myself.
The other performances were excellent as well. I would have a tough time in faulting Harrison Ford as Dr. Robert Stonehill. He gave a great performance as an overworked, frustrated scientist - something I can also relate to as I've been something of a scientist in my past myself. He felt real to me; I've known men just like him, maybe including me - I guess you'd have to ask my former colleagues how close it was.
But the other performance that I was particularly taken with was that of Courtney B. Vance as Marcus Temple. His tight emotional presentation went right to my heart and hung there heavily. It felt like me, I wanted to hug the man; maybe cry with him. I'd love to see him receive a nomination for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
Not to be left out is Keri Russell as Aileen Crowley. She gave a good performance, but to me it seemed a little less emotional than mothers like this I've personally known; especially my own wife. I also think they could have given her more space to reveal a character that would be more in depth but that's not her fault - maybe the screen writers? So, in the final analysis I think she did a great job and certainly did nothing to diminish real mothers like her character.
As one may have surmised from what I've written, I may be too personally prejudiced to look at any film like this with artistic fairness. So judge me if you like; you can go to a web site at http://webpages.charter.net/bruce.jones1/ and click on the button labeled "Belinda" on the left; it gives a personally biased but true story of my daughter's struggle for life. Let me know what you think ... you can also be treated to photos of the world's largest Lady Bug collection as a reward for your trip - a collection she started.
The bottom line is this - by all means go see this film; especially if you've been so fortunate as to never have experienced this kind of tragedy yourself. And when you do see it, give some thought in the future to the fact that, in this country, we spend more money advertising beer than we do fighting lethal childhood diseases.
But as must be the case in a film of this nature, the quality ultimately comes down to the efforts invested by the director and his cadre of accomplished actors. Their efforts certainly didn't disappoint me. The lion's share of the load was placed squarely on the shoulders of Brendan Fraser as John Crowley. I had a personal sense of justice on the line with how well he might do. There were several scenes that rang true to life for me; his portrayal of the internally tortured, desperate and determined father of two terminally ill children made me feel he did such real fathers justice. I think I can say that because I once was one myself.
The other performances were excellent as well. I would have a tough time in faulting Harrison Ford as Dr. Robert Stonehill. He gave a great performance as an overworked, frustrated scientist - something I can also relate to as I've been something of a scientist in my past myself. He felt real to me; I've known men just like him, maybe including me - I guess you'd have to ask my former colleagues how close it was.
But the other performance that I was particularly taken with was that of Courtney B. Vance as Marcus Temple. His tight emotional presentation went right to my heart and hung there heavily. It felt like me, I wanted to hug the man; maybe cry with him. I'd love to see him receive a nomination for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
Not to be left out is Keri Russell as Aileen Crowley. She gave a good performance, but to me it seemed a little less emotional than mothers like this I've personally known; especially my own wife. I also think they could have given her more space to reveal a character that would be more in depth but that's not her fault - maybe the screen writers? So, in the final analysis I think she did a great job and certainly did nothing to diminish real mothers like her character.
As one may have surmised from what I've written, I may be too personally prejudiced to look at any film like this with artistic fairness. So judge me if you like; you can go to a web site at http://webpages.charter.net/bruce.jones1/ and click on the button labeled "Belinda" on the left; it gives a personally biased but true story of my daughter's struggle for life. Let me know what you think ... you can also be treated to photos of the world's largest Lady Bug collection as a reward for your trip - a collection she started.
The bottom line is this - by all means go see this film; especially if you've been so fortunate as to never have experienced this kind of tragedy yourself. And when you do see it, give some thought in the future to the fact that, in this country, we spend more money advertising beer than we do fighting lethal childhood diseases.
Real Life Story
kosmasp10 November 2014
But as always it has been heightened or changed a bit for dramatic purposes obviously. I also have to admit, that when I first saw the poster for this I thought it would be a thriller. Turns out it is a drama, about a disease that affected people (especially kids) to a large extent. It's not really giving anything away, talking about the story in this case, because you can see where this is going from very early on/the beginning.
But let's talk about the actors: Harrison Ford is only supporting actor in this, but he's having a lot of fun. The girl actress is also very good and natural. All those things help elevate the movie above some of the cliché turns it takes (over-dramatization). All in all, you'd be very hard not to feel anything for the characters in this story. Decent enough effort to bring the real story to the screen. Would like to see a documentary about this though (the real life incident, not the making of the movie).
But let's talk about the actors: Harrison Ford is only supporting actor in this, but he's having a lot of fun. The girl actress is also very good and natural. All those things help elevate the movie above some of the cliché turns it takes (over-dramatization). All in all, you'd be very hard not to feel anything for the characters in this story. Decent enough effort to bring the real story to the screen. Would like to see a documentary about this though (the real life incident, not the making of the movie).
Since when do made for TV movies get released theatrically?
DonFishies20 January 2010
The unfortunate thing about movie trailers is that they tend to give away too much of the plot. In the quest to give the audience enough information to help them make a decision as to whether they should see a movie or not, the studios tend to overdo it. In some cases, so much is shown that one can practically map out in their head how the film will play out from the beginning right up until the end. Rarely, even the most predictable of films can still end up surprising audiences (why else would the visually astonishing Avatar continue to tear up the charts?). But most of the time, these predictable films turn out to be just as paint-by-numbers as their trailer suggests. Extraordinary Measures is that kind of film.
John Crowley's (Brendan Fraser) youngest children were diagnosed with the very rare Pompe Disease, and are confined to wheelchairs for their lives. The average life span for children suffering from the disease rarely goes past nine, and his daughter Megan (Meredith Droeger) has just turned eight. Like any good parent, John wants the best for his children, and wants to do everything he can to save their lives. While doing research, he stumbles upon the theories of one Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford), who just may have come up with a potential vaccine to help combat the disease.
Just from this small description, and the notion that this film is "Based on a True Story", it can be deduced exactly what comes afterwards. Except instead of feeling like a cinematic endeavor, Extraordinary Measures comes off feeling like an exhaustingly lengthy movie of the week. Events are episodic, happening in sporadic order and in such a jumpy fashion that it almost feels like commercial breaks were tailor made for the film. It makes the film feel stretched out, and after ten minutes, I wished I could change the channel as opposed to sitting watching this drivel for almost two agonizing hours. The editing style is so amateur, and so simplistic, that it practically screams that it was made for television consumption.
But then the whole production feels like it belongs on television. The budget of the film is clearly very low, there are zero effects, and the set design is modest at best. Director Tom Vaughan is a veteran TV director, and the cast is filled with current or former TV actors like Keri Russell (Felicity), Jared Harris (Fringe), Alan Ruck (Spin City) and Courtney B. Vance (FlashForward). In fact, the only thing that seems to make this film need to be a theatrical experience is the "star power" of Fraser and Ford. Surely their involvement is not the only real reason why this film is gracing the silver screen and not the small screen, right? But while the veteran TV actors look comfortable in their roles, Fraser and Ford both look totally out of place in the film. They visibly look like this is not the kind of material or delivery either of them is used to.
Speaking of the material, you would never have expected a former Oscar-nominee wrote this script. Yes, the story is very sad, but is there a reason to bash the audience over the head so much that they are forced to cry? It seems like writer Robert Nelson Jacobs feels the need to one up himself in each scene, making the next even more of an emotional mess than the last. The episodic structure of the film makes this notion all the more awful. And while Fraser is saddled with his share of silly dialogue, Ford is the one who comes out even worse. Practically every line Ford has is either a wise ass remark, a wise ass comeback, or something he can yell during an argument. I have not read the original book the film is based on, but I imagine the real Stonehill has more personality to him than varying shades of angry. Somehow, Ford's Stonehill makes even the most ridiculous of dialogue screamed by Al Pacino seem like Shakespeare in comparison.
Acting wise, Droeger is the only real standout in a cast that includes Indiana Jones himself. I am unsure if she is actually confined to a wheelchair (a quick search suggests she is not), but she plays Megan so beautifully and authentically that it seems like a bad lie to even attempt to suggest she is not. Her pain is so wonderfully conveyed that it makes the film so much better than it actually is. Diego Velazquez, who plays Crowley's other disease-stricken child Patrick, is not given nearly as much to do physically, but he plays his character fairly well. It is just a shame that both are given dialogue that is just as silly as everyone else. The two of them practically run laps around the adult cast.
Fraser is just not right for the role at all. He seems to be able to pull it off in some scenes, but for the majority, just seems off. But then, he was not all that great in his other decidedly adult role in Crash either. Ford on the other hand, simply looks like he is phoning his performance in. None of the charisma, the charm or the enthusiasm we have grown to know him for is on display here. Instead, it looks like a performance from a has-been actor who was once big in the movies, but now can barely even headline a TV special.
The team behind Extraordinary Measures may have had good intentions when they began production on the film, but the end result just does not seem to have been worth the effort. It may tug on your heartstrings in some scenes, but the rest will just seem so forced and so stale that you may find yourself searching for a remote that is not there.
4/10.
John Crowley's (Brendan Fraser) youngest children were diagnosed with the very rare Pompe Disease, and are confined to wheelchairs for their lives. The average life span for children suffering from the disease rarely goes past nine, and his daughter Megan (Meredith Droeger) has just turned eight. Like any good parent, John wants the best for his children, and wants to do everything he can to save their lives. While doing research, he stumbles upon the theories of one Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford), who just may have come up with a potential vaccine to help combat the disease.
Just from this small description, and the notion that this film is "Based on a True Story", it can be deduced exactly what comes afterwards. Except instead of feeling like a cinematic endeavor, Extraordinary Measures comes off feeling like an exhaustingly lengthy movie of the week. Events are episodic, happening in sporadic order and in such a jumpy fashion that it almost feels like commercial breaks were tailor made for the film. It makes the film feel stretched out, and after ten minutes, I wished I could change the channel as opposed to sitting watching this drivel for almost two agonizing hours. The editing style is so amateur, and so simplistic, that it practically screams that it was made for television consumption.
But then the whole production feels like it belongs on television. The budget of the film is clearly very low, there are zero effects, and the set design is modest at best. Director Tom Vaughan is a veteran TV director, and the cast is filled with current or former TV actors like Keri Russell (Felicity), Jared Harris (Fringe), Alan Ruck (Spin City) and Courtney B. Vance (FlashForward). In fact, the only thing that seems to make this film need to be a theatrical experience is the "star power" of Fraser and Ford. Surely their involvement is not the only real reason why this film is gracing the silver screen and not the small screen, right? But while the veteran TV actors look comfortable in their roles, Fraser and Ford both look totally out of place in the film. They visibly look like this is not the kind of material or delivery either of them is used to.
Speaking of the material, you would never have expected a former Oscar-nominee wrote this script. Yes, the story is very sad, but is there a reason to bash the audience over the head so much that they are forced to cry? It seems like writer Robert Nelson Jacobs feels the need to one up himself in each scene, making the next even more of an emotional mess than the last. The episodic structure of the film makes this notion all the more awful. And while Fraser is saddled with his share of silly dialogue, Ford is the one who comes out even worse. Practically every line Ford has is either a wise ass remark, a wise ass comeback, or something he can yell during an argument. I have not read the original book the film is based on, but I imagine the real Stonehill has more personality to him than varying shades of angry. Somehow, Ford's Stonehill makes even the most ridiculous of dialogue screamed by Al Pacino seem like Shakespeare in comparison.
Acting wise, Droeger is the only real standout in a cast that includes Indiana Jones himself. I am unsure if she is actually confined to a wheelchair (a quick search suggests she is not), but she plays Megan so beautifully and authentically that it seems like a bad lie to even attempt to suggest she is not. Her pain is so wonderfully conveyed that it makes the film so much better than it actually is. Diego Velazquez, who plays Crowley's other disease-stricken child Patrick, is not given nearly as much to do physically, but he plays his character fairly well. It is just a shame that both are given dialogue that is just as silly as everyone else. The two of them practically run laps around the adult cast.
Fraser is just not right for the role at all. He seems to be able to pull it off in some scenes, but for the majority, just seems off. But then, he was not all that great in his other decidedly adult role in Crash either. Ford on the other hand, simply looks like he is phoning his performance in. None of the charisma, the charm or the enthusiasm we have grown to know him for is on display here. Instead, it looks like a performance from a has-been actor who was once big in the movies, but now can barely even headline a TV special.
The team behind Extraordinary Measures may have had good intentions when they began production on the film, but the end result just does not seem to have been worth the effort. It may tug on your heartstrings in some scenes, but the rest will just seem so forced and so stale that you may find yourself searching for a remote that is not there.
4/10.
This movie shows the lengths good parents will go for their children.
mwendel131 January 2010
One of the most underrated films of the year. Clearly this movie was too intellectual for the general public. Well acted, well directed and with a very powerful message. The movie shows to what lenghts good parents will go for their children. It also reveals the difficulty in placing a new well needed drug with the FDA. The message this movie reveals is the priority of costs by drug companies over the health concerns of individuals and families affected by rare diseases. Both Bryandon Frasier and Harrison Ford deliver powerful performances in this film. Its refreshing to watch a film and not have to sit thought the typical car chase or shoot-out.
Succeeds at not being overly melodramatic......
somf21 January 2010
But therein lies the problem. I believe the director really wanted to avoid a disease of the week telefilm in telling the story but overcompensated in doing so. There were few scenes of Brendan Frasers children early on so that the setup that could have pulled out several boxes of Kleenex in a packed theater just didn't. The director gets to the meat and potatoes of the plot which is Fraser's race against time, and corporate protocol to get a drug into clinical trials that will help children with Pompe disease. The genius behind the theories propelling the development of the drug is the Harrison Ford character. He plays a pretty convincing cantankerous anti social scientist, and I really enjoyed his role.
Let's face it. The audience for films like this enjoy pulling out their Kleenex, so give them what they want. The director in an effort not to do another 'My Sister's Keeper" kept the story a bit too antiseptic. The most moving scene in the film for both me and my daughter was when a parent speaks to a group of scientists about his children and their disease. The character named Marcus was in 2 or 3 scenes total. Fraser never brought a tear to my eyes. That is a telling sign that the film missed its mark. You can find worse ways to while away a couple of hours at home with a DVD, but I wouldn't waste my time and money at the theater for this one.
Let's face it. The audience for films like this enjoy pulling out their Kleenex, so give them what they want. The director in an effort not to do another 'My Sister's Keeper" kept the story a bit too antiseptic. The most moving scene in the film for both me and my daughter was when a parent speaks to a group of scientists about his children and their disease. The character named Marcus was in 2 or 3 scenes total. Fraser never brought a tear to my eyes. That is a telling sign that the film missed its mark. You can find worse ways to while away a couple of hours at home with a DVD, but I wouldn't waste my time and money at the theater for this one.
Mostly predictable and unoriginal
raisleygordon20 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This movie has formula written all over it. While it may never be a boring movie, it's not very fresh or subtle. We know Crowley and Stonehill will argue, we know there will be a happy ending, and we also know Keri Russell isn't given much to do, and will be caught in the middle. She will also be upset with her husband for not telling her about his trip to Nebraska (actually, I didn't see that part coming, maybe because his leaving wasn't that obvious). And we also know John has to rush to his daughter's birthday party. About the only scenes that come close to being fresh is when John Crowley is in the park, helping some other kid in a wheelchair feed the ducks, and when there's a power shut-down in Dr, Stonehill's lab, or when Crowley is caught stealing from a supply room (something that's never really explained). It seems to me this movie is more concerned with medical research itself, than with the two kids or the disease. There's no emotional truth to it, or for that matter, any insights. And we don't really feel any sympathy for these kids, because they don't seem to have any feelings about their illnesses, other than that they know they're sick. Fortunately, the movie isn't sentimental.
**1/2 out of ****
**1/2 out of ****
Not extraordinary, but a good film you can enjoy at home!
estebangonzalez1024 August 2010
¨Scientists get all sensible & careful when they get old. Young ones like risk, not afraid of new ideas.¨ Director Tom Vaughan takes a much more serious approach in Extraordinary Measures then he did with the 2008 comedy What Happens in Vegas starring Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz. This movie which also stars two A-list actors, Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser, is a drama focusing on a father's effort to raise millions of dollars to help fund the research of a scientist who is trying to find a cure for Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder that two of his children have. The film is based on the book written by Geeta Anand, ¨The Cure¨, which is based on the true story of the Crowley family. The screenplay was adapted by Oscar nominated writer Robert Nelson Jacobs (Chocolat). I think that Jacobs did a pretty decent job at enlightening us about the disease and covered the scientific research well enough so that we could understand what was going on without getting bored. Vaughan could have made this a tear-jerker and played with the viewers emotions, but he did a great job with trying to stay true to the material and not turning this into a melodrama like My Sister's Keeper was. The film works well with strong performances from the entire cast, but I still can't see why anyone would want to see this movie in the theaters because it felt more like a made for television movie, although I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing. By the end of the movie I felt enlightened and respected the work of these scientists, but I am also glad I waited to watch this movie at home and didn't go see it at the movies.
John Crowley (Brendan Fraser) is a successful advertising businessman who lives with his wife Aileen (Keri Russell) and three children Megan (Meredith Droeger), Patrick (Diego Velasquez), and John Jr. (Sam M. Hall) in Portland. Megan and Patrick suffer from a genetic disorder known as the Pompe disease. The kids who suffer from this disease never make it past nine, and after Megan turns eight and almost losses her life to the disease, John decides it is time to take drastic and extraordinary measures. He has spent many years researching about the disease and discovers some interesting theories on enzyme treatment from a scientist located in Nebraska named Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford). After trying to contact him and not receiving any response from the Doctor, John decides to travel to Nebraska and convince him to pursue his research. Stonehill is not really person oriented; he has poor communication skills, and has had difficulty coming up with the funds to further his research. John tells Stonehill that he will help raise the money and after hosting several fund raisers and meeting other parents who have children with the same disease such as Marcus Temple (Courtney B. Vance) they raise about 90 thousand dollars which is a lot less than what they needed, but more than Stonehill expected him to raise. John decides to quit his job and work full time with Stonehill helping him raising the funds they need from capitalist groups. Their relationship isn't the best one and they have their disagreements, but John will do whatever it takes to find a cure for his children before running out of time.
The hardest decision for John was to quit his job and work full time for Stonehill away from home. The ethical dilemma was either to give up and enjoy as much time he could with his children or try to find a cure which meant he would have to spend a lot of time away from home and the results weren't guaranteed. John took the risk and decided he had to do what was in his power to try to find a cure for his children. The movie also deals with scientific objectivity and how sometimes emotions and feelings are not necessarily a bad mixture. The movie focuses on these issues and doesn't rely only on the family melodrama of dealing with the disease, it tries to remain objective but at the same time inform us of the reality of this genetic disorder in children. The movie isn't a highly entertaining film, but it does work as a serious drama and one you would enjoy seeing in the comfort of your home. Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser are decent in their roles although nothing we haven't seen from them in the past. Courtney B. Vance and Jared Harris have a couple of strong scenes in the supporting role. The kids are OK as well although they don't play a major role in this movie as one would expect. The movie is far from being extraordinary, but it still is a decent film which I would recommend only for home viewing.
http://estebueno10.blogspot.com/
John Crowley (Brendan Fraser) is a successful advertising businessman who lives with his wife Aileen (Keri Russell) and three children Megan (Meredith Droeger), Patrick (Diego Velasquez), and John Jr. (Sam M. Hall) in Portland. Megan and Patrick suffer from a genetic disorder known as the Pompe disease. The kids who suffer from this disease never make it past nine, and after Megan turns eight and almost losses her life to the disease, John decides it is time to take drastic and extraordinary measures. He has spent many years researching about the disease and discovers some interesting theories on enzyme treatment from a scientist located in Nebraska named Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford). After trying to contact him and not receiving any response from the Doctor, John decides to travel to Nebraska and convince him to pursue his research. Stonehill is not really person oriented; he has poor communication skills, and has had difficulty coming up with the funds to further his research. John tells Stonehill that he will help raise the money and after hosting several fund raisers and meeting other parents who have children with the same disease such as Marcus Temple (Courtney B. Vance) they raise about 90 thousand dollars which is a lot less than what they needed, but more than Stonehill expected him to raise. John decides to quit his job and work full time with Stonehill helping him raising the funds they need from capitalist groups. Their relationship isn't the best one and they have their disagreements, but John will do whatever it takes to find a cure for his children before running out of time.
The hardest decision for John was to quit his job and work full time for Stonehill away from home. The ethical dilemma was either to give up and enjoy as much time he could with his children or try to find a cure which meant he would have to spend a lot of time away from home and the results weren't guaranteed. John took the risk and decided he had to do what was in his power to try to find a cure for his children. The movie also deals with scientific objectivity and how sometimes emotions and feelings are not necessarily a bad mixture. The movie focuses on these issues and doesn't rely only on the family melodrama of dealing with the disease, it tries to remain objective but at the same time inform us of the reality of this genetic disorder in children. The movie isn't a highly entertaining film, but it does work as a serious drama and one you would enjoy seeing in the comfort of your home. Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser are decent in their roles although nothing we haven't seen from them in the past. Courtney B. Vance and Jared Harris have a couple of strong scenes in the supporting role. The kids are OK as well although they don't play a major role in this movie as one would expect. The movie is far from being extraordinary, but it still is a decent film which I would recommend only for home viewing.
http://estebueno10.blogspot.com/
More like Necessary Measures. Good Movie!
montera_iulian30 April 2010
I honestly enjoyed this movie because it was not based on over-played sentiments and this made it to drawn in the audience. The movie is a drama based on real events about the efforts that John Crowley, a businessman and Aileen Crowley, his wife, put up to help finding a cure for their two sons who are suffering from a genetic disorder named as Pome Syndrome. The story is not that complicated actually it's very predictable but the character development and interrelationship between those characters is pretty convincing not to mention the conflicts developed between John and Dr. Stonehill.
Harrison Ford, who portrays the anxious and hard-working scientist and researcher Dr. Stonehill, shows us that his acting capabilities are not over yet and he still could pull a honest and beliavable performance. As for John Crowley who was played by Branden Fraser at certain points of the movie I just couldn't get his acting but overall he managed it well. The dialogue in this movie is pretty much realistic except for one or two scenes.
The sound and video editing of the movie were nothing impressive but fitted the movie perfectly, the cinematography used was similar to a family-movie but what I always questioned was where I heard that score? ... The music used in this film had been used in other movies I think or it may sound like something I heard before.... so... I'm still trying' to figure it out.
The point is this is a nice movie, over my expectations and I strongly recommend it because it's not that kind of a drama where you'll shed tears at the end of the movie feeling bad for someone.
Harrison Ford, who portrays the anxious and hard-working scientist and researcher Dr. Stonehill, shows us that his acting capabilities are not over yet and he still could pull a honest and beliavable performance. As for John Crowley who was played by Branden Fraser at certain points of the movie I just couldn't get his acting but overall he managed it well. The dialogue in this movie is pretty much realistic except for one or two scenes.
The sound and video editing of the movie were nothing impressive but fitted the movie perfectly, the cinematography used was similar to a family-movie but what I always questioned was where I heard that score? ... The music used in this film had been used in other movies I think or it may sound like something I heard before.... so... I'm still trying' to figure it out.
The point is this is a nice movie, over my expectations and I strongly recommend it because it's not that kind of a drama where you'll shed tears at the end of the movie feeling bad for someone.
Worst marketing ever
bocajon17 November 2012
I don't know who marketed this film but they should be sued. Now to the actual work. This was one of Brendan's best pieces of work. It didn't hurt having a legend lifting him up. Harrison is the consummate professional. As far as the story line, it was very predictable. That said if you are looking for a feel good movie this will do the trick. My father has always said don't expect anything that way when you get something you wont be disappointed. Brendan if you read this review, you are a good actor. Believe in yourself. You should go for a supporting role in a film. Something like Morgans role in driving miss daisy. I can see you winning an Oscar with the right script.
Better than disease-of-the-week
dfranzen7025 August 2010
Even though it has the premise of a disease-of-the-week movie, Extraordinary Measures is both compelling - seriously - and dramatically satisfying. Harrison Ford gives one of his best (nonaction) performances in years, and even Brendan Fraser is palatable. It's definitely a three-hankie movie, so it's sort of a chick flick. Fellas, you should watch this at home, alone, with the curtains pulled.
John (Fraser) and Aileen (Keri Russell) Crowley have two young children with a rare disease called Pompe that damages muscle and nerve cells in the body. Both children are wheelchair bound but in generally high spirits, thanks to wonderful, supporting parents. (They have a third child who does not have the disease.) Time is running out on the kids, though, because Pompe victims typically do not live to double-digit ages. In desperation, Crowley turns to researcher Robert Stonehill (Ford), a cranky, iconoclastic scientist who cares only about his work and, sometimes, fishing. Stonehill has a remarkable new theory for the treatment of Pompe, but he's never tested it on anything, let alone anyone; his field is in theoretical, rather than applied, research. But the persistent Crowley wears him down, and - long story short - agrees to form a partnership with him, a foundation dedicated to finding a cure for the disease, a foundation to which moneyed people can donate funds.
What makes this particular film work isn't that there's a race against time or even that there are adorable kids who are basically at death's door. No, it's because director Tom Vaughan chooses to have Crowley's daughter Megan (Meredith Droeger) act as the face of the disease, and she's a charming, happy child. Her personality is so magnetic that you could easily forget she was riddled with the debilitating disease, were it not for the wheelchair.
Vaughan doesn't waste his time playing on the audience's sympathies in abundance. He focuses on the machinations that Crowley and Stonehill have to undergo to fund, research, and bring to market this miracle cure - actions that are either in praise or an indictment of the real-life politicking needed to get medicine to drugstores. Crowley and Stonehill form a company, which they sell for funding, and then the funders want to make more money and so are bloodless beasts (maybe not), and all the while the two Crowley kids are slowly getting a little worse.
The movie manages to be sentimental and touching without even a hint of cloying insincerity, and that's a remarkable achievement nowadays. I mean, think about it. Even people who don't watch a lot of movies have become jaded to story lines that we just know are trying to manipulate us one way or another. We know we're being played, and we don't really care, and when that manipulation is too obvious, we just turn to something else for our entertainment fix. But we're not really being manipulated here at all. The film honestly, and not melodramatically, presents us with a real-life crisis that has distinctly and believably human element to it; without it, we may as well be discussing an Olympic hopeful's chances at the gold after learning she has contracted vasculitis.
Ford is terrific. The man can do drama. It's worth noting that this is the film since Return of the Jedi in which Ford was billed somewhere other than first. It's true, he's almost 70 years old, but the guy still has charisma to burn. Whether he's doing a slow burn or raging at the elementally specious bureaucracy surrounding him, he is nothing short of believable. He's so good that you forget he was Han Solo or Jack Ryan or Indiana Jones and think that, for a short while, he's Dr. Stonehill.
Now, admittedly, this isn't a movie for everyone. And even though it's not overtly manipulative, it's still a tugger of heartstrings. So be warned. It's tough not to be affected by it, a sure sign of a well-made movie.
John (Fraser) and Aileen (Keri Russell) Crowley have two young children with a rare disease called Pompe that damages muscle and nerve cells in the body. Both children are wheelchair bound but in generally high spirits, thanks to wonderful, supporting parents. (They have a third child who does not have the disease.) Time is running out on the kids, though, because Pompe victims typically do not live to double-digit ages. In desperation, Crowley turns to researcher Robert Stonehill (Ford), a cranky, iconoclastic scientist who cares only about his work and, sometimes, fishing. Stonehill has a remarkable new theory for the treatment of Pompe, but he's never tested it on anything, let alone anyone; his field is in theoretical, rather than applied, research. But the persistent Crowley wears him down, and - long story short - agrees to form a partnership with him, a foundation dedicated to finding a cure for the disease, a foundation to which moneyed people can donate funds.
What makes this particular film work isn't that there's a race against time or even that there are adorable kids who are basically at death's door. No, it's because director Tom Vaughan chooses to have Crowley's daughter Megan (Meredith Droeger) act as the face of the disease, and she's a charming, happy child. Her personality is so magnetic that you could easily forget she was riddled with the debilitating disease, were it not for the wheelchair.
Vaughan doesn't waste his time playing on the audience's sympathies in abundance. He focuses on the machinations that Crowley and Stonehill have to undergo to fund, research, and bring to market this miracle cure - actions that are either in praise or an indictment of the real-life politicking needed to get medicine to drugstores. Crowley and Stonehill form a company, which they sell for funding, and then the funders want to make more money and so are bloodless beasts (maybe not), and all the while the two Crowley kids are slowly getting a little worse.
The movie manages to be sentimental and touching without even a hint of cloying insincerity, and that's a remarkable achievement nowadays. I mean, think about it. Even people who don't watch a lot of movies have become jaded to story lines that we just know are trying to manipulate us one way or another. We know we're being played, and we don't really care, and when that manipulation is too obvious, we just turn to something else for our entertainment fix. But we're not really being manipulated here at all. The film honestly, and not melodramatically, presents us with a real-life crisis that has distinctly and believably human element to it; without it, we may as well be discussing an Olympic hopeful's chances at the gold after learning she has contracted vasculitis.
Ford is terrific. The man can do drama. It's worth noting that this is the film since Return of the Jedi in which Ford was billed somewhere other than first. It's true, he's almost 70 years old, but the guy still has charisma to burn. Whether he's doing a slow burn or raging at the elementally specious bureaucracy surrounding him, he is nothing short of believable. He's so good that you forget he was Han Solo or Jack Ryan or Indiana Jones and think that, for a short while, he's Dr. Stonehill.
Now, admittedly, this isn't a movie for everyone. And even though it's not overtly manipulative, it's still a tugger of heartstrings. So be warned. It's tough not to be affected by it, a sure sign of a well-made movie.
Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie!
ShelbyTMItchell22 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Went and saw this just recently. And that despite it won't be winning any Oscars, you have to cut the movie some slack for trying. As this is based on actual events.
Brandon Frasier, not his best work but at least, he's trying. Stars as a executive and father of three, two of them with MDA like diseases and in wheelchairs. As it is a rare disease, there seems to be no cure at all. He tries and tries to contact the elusive scientist, finally traveling without telling his family, to Nebraska.
Harrison Ford, in a rare but major supporting role, as the crusty, anti-social scientist. Whom makes a reluctant deal with Frasier. Sure Ford's character may be a jerk and for wanting to do things, his way. But underneath, he does seem to care.
Despite the bureaucrats saying that both Frasier and Ford, can't succeed or achieve. Both try really hard despite, the mens differences. It is a good film. But it does need a little heart though!
Brandon Frasier, not his best work but at least, he's trying. Stars as a executive and father of three, two of them with MDA like diseases and in wheelchairs. As it is a rare disease, there seems to be no cure at all. He tries and tries to contact the elusive scientist, finally traveling without telling his family, to Nebraska.
Harrison Ford, in a rare but major supporting role, as the crusty, anti-social scientist. Whom makes a reluctant deal with Frasier. Sure Ford's character may be a jerk and for wanting to do things, his way. But underneath, he does seem to care.
Despite the bureaucrats saying that both Frasier and Ford, can't succeed or achieve. Both try really hard despite, the mens differences. It is a good film. But it does need a little heart though!
A great heart warming movie
Srulikg24 April 2010
Please change the poster of the movie, it doesn't reflect the movie for what it really is. I didn't think that I'll be watching a dramatic feel good movie. I was surprised. Brendan's and Harrison's acting is superb, the dialogs are incredible and the story... the story is a familiar one. Parents who try by extraordinary measures to save their kids' lives who suffer from a deadly illness. Sure, it's a familiar story, but this is worth watching. Engaging, fascinating and no dull moments. I didn't want the movie to end since it made me feel so good. Don't be surprised if you'll even shed a tear.
So ignore the poster and watch this movie if you like heart warming movies.
So ignore the poster and watch this movie if you like heart warming movies.
Heartwarming
ronfernandezsf7 January 2018
A heartwarming film that has no crashes or special effects and NO foul language. For that alone, this movie worth watching.
Good performances by the three leads, especially Harrison Ford who is now a character actor as opposed to his strong leading man roles. Yes, everyone ages and one can't young and handsome forever.
What would have made this a little more realistic is if one or both of the parents had siblings, Mothers, Fathers or other relatives involved. They wee certainly young enough to have living parents. For sure the grandparents would have been involved in this situation and had visited often or even gone to the Hospital for the initial treatment.
Good performances by the three leads, especially Harrison Ford who is now a character actor as opposed to his strong leading man roles. Yes, everyone ages and one can't young and handsome forever.
What would have made this a little more realistic is if one or both of the parents had siblings, Mothers, Fathers or other relatives involved. They wee certainly young enough to have living parents. For sure the grandparents would have been involved in this situation and had visited often or even gone to the Hospital for the initial treatment.
Extraordinarily Merciless Snooze Fest
chicagopoetry15 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I was so looking forward to seeing Extraordinary Measures because I was intrigued by the billboard. It showed Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser walking through a tunnel-like structure carrying serious and determined expressions on their faces. It made me think this was going to be another Patriot Games or Clear and Present Danger. Where were they going, I asked myself. It must be somewhere urgent. Extraordinary Measures! The title sounds like an action / revenge film.
I like going into films without knowing much about them, so I didn't have a clue that this was a medical drama instead of a thriller. Even so, I have nothing against dramas if they are good dramas. The problem here is that there is absolutely no chemistry between Ford, during perhaps the worst acting job of his entire life, and Fraser, who goes through the motions with very little inspiration until a sappy, Jerry Springeresque speech at the end. These two talented actors, or should I say the characters they play, don't like each other very much so there is no camaraderie in their partnership.
Ford's character is am annoying stereotype. We've seen it before a dozen times, the eccentric genius. We saw it in Armadaeus, we saw it in The Astronaut Farmer, we saw it in that Howard Hues movie with Leonardo DiCaprio. But those characters were at least likable to a certain extent. In Extraordinary Measures, Ford's character is for the most part in a complete state of anger--he is just plain mean to everyone, and that gets old quickly. Ford's character is simply not convincing as a scientist either. We are told that he is suppose to be brilliant but he doesn't seem to be very brilliant at all. He seems kind of stupid, as a matter of fact.
This could have been a very exciting and emotional tear jerker with some corporate intrigue mixed in, but instead Extraordinary Measures completely lacks passion. The plot is predictable and everyone in it goes through the motions almost dead pan. No effort was made whatsoever to get us to understand the science that the characters are working on, so we ultimately don't care about whether it succeeds or not. On a human level this movie is just not very realistic. With all the stress involved with Fraser's character quitting his job and putting it all on the line to help this grouchy scientist find a cure for this obscure illness, you would think there would be more tension, perhaps a few explosive moments. There aren't any. The story drags on and on with nothing much happening.
I almost feel guilty for being completely bored by Extraordinary Measures, because I know I'm suppose to care about the poor sick kids. But sadly I don't, and this is coming from someone who can't sit through Bridges of Madison County without going through half a box of Kleenex. I realize that this is loosely based on a true story, but unfortunately it is simply not very entertaining movie making.
I like going into films without knowing much about them, so I didn't have a clue that this was a medical drama instead of a thriller. Even so, I have nothing against dramas if they are good dramas. The problem here is that there is absolutely no chemistry between Ford, during perhaps the worst acting job of his entire life, and Fraser, who goes through the motions with very little inspiration until a sappy, Jerry Springeresque speech at the end. These two talented actors, or should I say the characters they play, don't like each other very much so there is no camaraderie in their partnership.
Ford's character is am annoying stereotype. We've seen it before a dozen times, the eccentric genius. We saw it in Armadaeus, we saw it in The Astronaut Farmer, we saw it in that Howard Hues movie with Leonardo DiCaprio. But those characters were at least likable to a certain extent. In Extraordinary Measures, Ford's character is for the most part in a complete state of anger--he is just plain mean to everyone, and that gets old quickly. Ford's character is simply not convincing as a scientist either. We are told that he is suppose to be brilliant but he doesn't seem to be very brilliant at all. He seems kind of stupid, as a matter of fact.
This could have been a very exciting and emotional tear jerker with some corporate intrigue mixed in, but instead Extraordinary Measures completely lacks passion. The plot is predictable and everyone in it goes through the motions almost dead pan. No effort was made whatsoever to get us to understand the science that the characters are working on, so we ultimately don't care about whether it succeeds or not. On a human level this movie is just not very realistic. With all the stress involved with Fraser's character quitting his job and putting it all on the line to help this grouchy scientist find a cure for this obscure illness, you would think there would be more tension, perhaps a few explosive moments. There aren't any. The story drags on and on with nothing much happening.
I almost feel guilty for being completely bored by Extraordinary Measures, because I know I'm suppose to care about the poor sick kids. But sadly I don't, and this is coming from someone who can't sit through Bridges of Madison County without going through half a box of Kleenex. I realize that this is loosely based on a true story, but unfortunately it is simply not very entertaining movie making.
Will make you love life more than ever
DarkVulcan2931 January 2010
The story starts with John Crowley(Brendan Fraser) who's two young kids have a deadly disease called Pompa. And are not expected to live long. Much of the heartbreaking of him and his wife(Keri Russell). But John one day decides to try and do something, he goes to see a doctor and scientist Robert Stonehill(Harrison Ford) who's research about the disease could be helpful. And John will help Stonehill set his research, in hopes to make a cure. But will they is the question?
A true story that was very well told. Brendan Fraser performance is so good he almost brings you too tears. Keri Russell also great has the mother. Harrison Ford at times I felt overacted in some scenes,but he was good none the less. A truly great well told story.
A true story that was very well told. Brendan Fraser performance is so good he almost brings you too tears. Keri Russell also great has the mother. Harrison Ford at times I felt overacted in some scenes,but he was good none the less. A truly great well told story.
Risk everything...
Thanos_Alfie30 October 2020
"Extraordinary Measures" is a Drama movie in which we watch a father of two children with rare genetic disorder trying everything in order to save them with the help of a scientist and his research. Their time is limited so, they all have to hurry before it's too late for them.
I liked this movie a lot and I believe that everybody has to watch because it's a life lesson that we all have something to take from it. Thus, I strongly recommend everyone to watch it. The direction which was made by Tom Vaughan was exceptional and he did an excellent job on presenting both the research and the reality behind medicines and vaccines, and family moments that in the end it's the only thing that counts. Regarding the interpretations, I have to say that I was surprised by the interpretation of Brendan Fraser who played as John Crowley and he was simply amazing. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Harrison Ford's who played as Dr. Stonehill, Keri Russell's who played as Aileen Crowley and Jared Harris' who played as Dr. Kent Webber, they were all very good. To sum up, I believe that both the plot and the direction were outstanding and I am sure that from them every person will gain something by watching it.
I liked this movie a lot and I believe that everybody has to watch because it's a life lesson that we all have something to take from it. Thus, I strongly recommend everyone to watch it. The direction which was made by Tom Vaughan was exceptional and he did an excellent job on presenting both the research and the reality behind medicines and vaccines, and family moments that in the end it's the only thing that counts. Regarding the interpretations, I have to say that I was surprised by the interpretation of Brendan Fraser who played as John Crowley and he was simply amazing. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Harrison Ford's who played as Dr. Stonehill, Keri Russell's who played as Aileen Crowley and Jared Harris' who played as Dr. Kent Webber, they were all very good. To sum up, I believe that both the plot and the direction were outstanding and I am sure that from them every person will gain something by watching it.
Extraordinary film making deception
rbrb25 May 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This movie pretends to be a true story of how a couple with children dying of a certain disease try to help scientists to find a cure for their children.
The movie gives every impression of being based on real facts. However in the film a major player is a research scientist,one Dr Stonehill, played by Harrison Ford. No such person did or does exist and the whole character and scenario is a total fabrication. Roger Ebert when reviewing the movie says:
"Dr. Robert Stonehill doesn't exist in real life. The Pompe cure was developed by Dr. Yuan-Tsong Chen and his colleagues while he was at Duke University. He is now director of the Institute of Biomedical Science in Taiwan. Harrison Ford, as this film's executive producer, perhaps saw Stonehill as a plum role for himself; a rewrite was necessary because he couldn't very well play Dr. Chen. The real Chen, a Taiwan University graduate, worked his way up at Duke from a residency to professor and chief of medical genetics at the Duke University Medical Center. He has been mentioned as a Nobel candidate."
It a total disgrace that the film makers produce a movie purporting to be a true account, when in reality a large slice of the film is pure invention to suit the executive producer.
I sat through the whole movie and might of given 6/10, but when I discovered the unforgivable deception outlined above I took off 5 points.
Unbelievable the depths of cheating the film industry will stoop to:
1/10.
The movie gives every impression of being based on real facts. However in the film a major player is a research scientist,one Dr Stonehill, played by Harrison Ford. No such person did or does exist and the whole character and scenario is a total fabrication. Roger Ebert when reviewing the movie says:
"Dr. Robert Stonehill doesn't exist in real life. The Pompe cure was developed by Dr. Yuan-Tsong Chen and his colleagues while he was at Duke University. He is now director of the Institute of Biomedical Science in Taiwan. Harrison Ford, as this film's executive producer, perhaps saw Stonehill as a plum role for himself; a rewrite was necessary because he couldn't very well play Dr. Chen. The real Chen, a Taiwan University graduate, worked his way up at Duke from a residency to professor and chief of medical genetics at the Duke University Medical Center. He has been mentioned as a Nobel candidate."
It a total disgrace that the film makers produce a movie purporting to be a true account, when in reality a large slice of the film is pure invention to suit the executive producer.
I sat through the whole movie and might of given 6/10, but when I discovered the unforgivable deception outlined above I took off 5 points.
Unbelievable the depths of cheating the film industry will stoop to:
1/10.
heart-warming albeit predictable
sidfargas27 January 2010
Pretty much what I expected it to be, a well told and heart-warming story about dedication, love and endurance. What I did doubt about this film was the casting. All doubts were quickly dispelled because everyone was PERFECT in their roles. You knew Harrison Ford would deliver but both Brendan Fraser and Keri Russell were amazing as desperate parents determined to save their kids. The film is predictable, maybe to a fault and really didn't go for the deep emotional impact that I was expecting but it still hits home hard enough. The ending seemed also to be somewhat abrupt but still, I enjoyed this movie very much.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
