Opens January 22, 2010 | Runtime: 1 hr. 46 min.
PG for thematic material, language and a mild suggestive moment
Indiana Jones and the hunk from The Mummy have joined forces to battle:
a) the Undead
b) Nazis
c) a rare genetic disorder
Option C – yes, really!
Based on a true story (don’t those ALWAYS get to you?!) Brendan Fraser is John Crowley, a successful business man, and devoted husband and father. Two of his children suffer from Pompe a very rare, fatal disease. It’s so rare, that no drug has been developed to treat it. Enter Indiana Jones…. er… Harrison Ford as Dr. Robert Stonehill. A research scientist who has a theory, a very good one as a matter of fact. And the race against time begins…
This movie is really excellent. And I don’t just say that because Brendan Fraser is in nearly every scene (though I tell ya, that certainly doesn’t hurt!) The story is SO well told, you can’t help but be drawn in from the first moments. Keri Russell is perfectly cast as the loving, strong, brave mother and wife. The kids… oh those kids!! Especially Meredith Droeger (Megan), I dare you not to fall absolutely in love with her in the first 10 minutes!!
I really can’t come up with any negatives here (except, perhaps that Brendan didn’t fly in to sit with me during the screening. But I’ll forgive him, this once!) It’s an incredible story, well cast and beautifully told. It’s a medical drama, but it’s got that mystery/urgency to it. Will they find a treatment in time to save his children?!
For the Ford fans (of which, I am one!) Dr. Stonehill is a gruff, grumpy scientist who’s grown tired of playing by the rules. Actually, you wonder if he EVER played by the rules. I swear, this could easily be Han Solo’s great-great-great-grandfather!! Same half-cocked, screw everyone else, still do what’s right in the end attitude. He should be wearing a sign that says “Warning: Doesn’t Play Well With Others!” But you just know underneath that kiss my ass exterior lies a heart of gold. And they do such a good job showing that in his first scene with Megan. You’ll love it, I swear! Makes me tear up just a touch thinking of it.
It’s not all crying and wringing of hands, though. There are plenty of laughs and smiles. This is a movie about hope, optimism, hard work, determination and never giving up. It’s also about family, priorities, and faith. Uplifting and inspiring. These are people who could have taken what they were told, loved their kids and waited for them to die. Instead they pushed and took risks and refused to just accept the “inevitable”. The tag line for this movie is “Don’t hope for a miracle. Make one.” And that sums it all up. Perfectly.
My overall review: heartwarming, solid acting and a well-told story. It’s a beautiful movie. I dare you not to love it!!
Extraordinary Measures movie website.
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Tags: Brendan Fraser, Extraordinary Measures, Harrison Ford, Movie Review
I can’t wait to see it! It will be really nice to see these great actors FINALLY in a well written and thought out movie for once! It’s been a really long time since I have seen them get to use their acting chops. (Although I loved all the Mummy movies
)
I agree, Craftymom. Sounds like it has something for everyone.
Fraser and Ford are two acting pros and, yes, they are fun to look at too!
Not sure if I will take that dare, Tiffany.
I am looking forward to seeing this movie this weekend also. Great review, Tiffany. I have always liked Harrison Ford.
I can’t say enough positive about this movie! It’s getting all kinds of critical acclaim already, no surprise. Ford was an executive producer, this is his baby.
And just some fun trivia – look for the REAL John Crowley in the scene with the potential financial investors. He plays the youngest of the three (he’s only 42!!) and is seated in the middle. He’s actually kind of short and looks nothing like Brendan Fraser! Apparently, this was a running joke between them on-set. Seems like a helluva nice guy to boot!!
Interesting news: Extraordinary Measures is being screened at ND tonight because John Crowley is a ‘92 graduate. Interviews with him and his wife were in our school paper throughout the week and I believe the screening will be accompanied by a talk.
Are you going? If so report back please.
No–I am doing work unfortunately. But I will see if I can get the scoop from someone.
Ok , thanks but don’t worry about it. I know how busy you must be. I remember those days still. LOL
Just want to remind everyone that it opens on Friday. It was SO good that I’ll be going to see it again!! Ok, Bren might have something to do with that. Brendan Fraser and frozen Junior Mints… it really doesn’t get any better than that!