Rating of
3/4
Extraordinary Measures review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 07/30/11
Rarely do we see Brendan Fraser (John Crowley the fervent and optimistic father) act well in an intellectual movie. You have George of the Jungle and Encino Man as prime examples. I find Harrison Ford (the eclectic but humane Dr. Stonehill) effective with witty lines or gestures in figures such as Han Solo or the Indiana Jones. Put both guys on a serious film that touches every heart of every family man who cares about his family, add a realistic screenplay and decent supporting cast and you have an awesome drama based on a true story that is very inspirational. At first I was skeptical if the film would be effective with both actors in a drama, in the end they delivered a moving performance.
Each scene was engaging and the supporting cast did not disappoint. The character build-up was good, except for some scenes that I felt was not needed in the film. That would be the rambling and music of Dr. Stonehill. Some of it was quite annoying, maybe it was to illustrate the real Doctors perspective. One of the scarce flicks that simultaneously touches your heart and mind. The director, crew and actors went extraordinary measures to make this film believable and uplifting. Its primary message is to keep family first and never give up on anything that you feel is worth fighting for.
