It’s always hit or miss with movies inspired by true events. We’re either wound down a long, drawn out road of boredom or over-embellishment, or pleasantly captivated with the magic blend of real life truth and creativity. Over the last couple months it seems like movie makers might be catching on that movie goers aren’t too fond of the latter. The Blind Side has had a steady theatrical run while breaking records and leaving us pleasantly surprised and satisfied. Now Extraordinary Measures has hit theaters to give us another dynamic story based on true events. We can only hope this is the start of a glorious trend in real life stories brought to the screen.
Extraordinary Measures stars Brendan Fraser (The Mummy) as a passionate father looking to make a miracle alongside Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones) as a sarcastic research scientist who likes to do things his own way. John Crowley (Fraser) is a high powered business man and father to three children, two of whom have a fatal genetic disease called Pompe’s that deteriorates muscle function. As the clock ticks forward towards his daughter’s ninth birthday (most Pompe’s children don’t make it to their tenth) Crowley takes matters into his own hands and contacts the brilliant yet stubborn Dr. Stonehill (Ford) who agrees to go into business with him. Between Crowley’s business sense and Stonehill’s promising theories the duo forge on in finding a treatment for Pompe’s disease before time runs out.
There is great acting by people we haven’t seen in a while. Brendan Fraser supplies the perfect look and emotional capacity to pull off his father roll while Harrison Ford, who also produced the film, falls perfectly into the bitter-old-scientist part. Kerri Russel (Waitress, August Rush) also does a fabulous job as Aileen Crowley, John’s wife and stay at home caretaker to the children.
Extraordinary Measures gives the audience a lot more than a drama about a desperate father. The screenplay, based on the book by Greeta Anand, was written by Robert Nelson Jacobs (Chocolat) and explores levels of the story others may have left out. Instead of simply creating a story about a desperate father willing to make extreme decisions to save his children’s life, Extraordinary Measures explores multiple facets of not just finding, but manufacturing and distributing a treatment, that don’t include tons of crying, desperation, and illegal activity.
The film finds the perfect balance in addressing issues like corporate greed without being over the top preachy and PSA about it all. It makes you understand that the system might suck but that doesn’t mean you can’t beat it. Another genius strike of balance is in the personality and action of John Crowley who is much more than a sympathetic antagonist. His admirable action and decision making throughout the process accompanied by his use of skills and education, not just passion, to get results makes this more than a tragic sob story.
Extraordinary Measures offers a lot of layers you don’t anticipate going in. This movie could have easily been mediocre but casting choices and story elements create a quick paced film that makes you anxious to see what will unfold. Extraordinary Measures has something that will touch wide range of people. This story isn’t just about finding a cure for Pompe’s or any other fatal disease, it’s about a sense of realistic hope by inspiring people to use their talents and skills to make things happen.
