“Extraordinary Measures” is a heart-rending story about a father’s race against time to save his children from a fatal disease. With limited resources, he teams up with a brilliant scientist to develop a cure that has never been attempted before. Against all odds, they embark on a treacherous journey filled with setbacks and triumphs, managing to achieve what others thought impossible. The film is an emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave you inspired and in awe of the power of human resilience.
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Review
Simon Sinek once said, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” And when it comes to the movie “Extraordinary Measures,” the why is crystal clear. Based on a true story, the film tells the inspiring tale of a father’s unwavering determination to save his children from a rare and fatal genetic disease.
The story follows John Crowley (played by Brendan Fraser), a successful businessman whose two youngest children are diagnosed with Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder that destroys muscle tissue and typically leads to death before age 9. Fueled by love for his family and desperation to find a cure, Crowley teams up with Dr. Robert Stonehill (played by Harrison Ford), an eccentric researcher with unorthodox methods.
The plot of “Extraordinary Measures” is not just about finding a cure for a rare disease. It’s also about defying the odds, pushing boundaries, and never giving up hope. The film shows how one man’s passion can turn into an international effort to save lives.
The story of John Crowley is not just an emotional rollercoaster but is also powerful news that sends out messages that we need more films like this that showcase real human struggle at its core.
Brendan Fraser delivers an incredibly moving performance as John Crowley. He portrays the character’s love for his family with raw emotion and sincerity. Harrison Ford also shines as the brilliant but socially awkward Dr. Stonehill who pushes everyone around him to work harder.
The characters in “Extraordinary Measures” are relatable and authentic as they depict the struggles of people going through life-altering changes within their families’ health conditions such as those portrayed in Pompe disease victims or even any other ailment.
Moreover, the movie’s score composed by Andrea Guerra perfectly captures the film’s somber yet hopeful tone. The music complements each scene beautifully, drawing out every ounce of emotion from both the actors and viewers.
Filmed primarily in Portland, Oregon, “Extraordinary Measures” features stunning cinematography that showcases the city’s beauty. The aerial shots of the city are breathtaking and add an extra layer to the movie’s overall visual appeal.
The film has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its heartwarming story while others criticizing it for being overly sentimental. However, regardless of anyone’s opinions, one cannot deny that “Extraordinary Measures” is a movie that touches hearts and inspires audiences to strive for greatness regardless of obstacles.
The movie’s scenes are crafted well and adeptly show both emotional highs and lows. In one scene, John Crowley breaks down in tears while talking to his wife about how he cannot bear the thought of losing their children. It is a scene that hits home for anyone who can relate to feeling helpless or hopeless in situations where nothing seems to work in their favor.
There are also some charming moments where Dr. Stonehill humorously interacts with Crowley’s children and eventually becomes a part of their family. Such scenes raise questions about how social interactions affect people differently based on their personalities or coping mechanisms.
The dialogue throughout “Extraordinary Measures” is meaningful and thought-provoking as it explores concepts like perseverance, hope, family bonds, science breakthroughs. The movie’s special effects are minimal yet effective as they highlight the severity of Pompe disease and its impact on people’s bodies.
Despite receiving no major awards, “Extraordinary Measures” has been recognized for its efforts in bringing attention to rare diseases’ research through its storyline. The movie holds tremendous significance as it showcases the need for more research into such diseases and emphasizes how every idea can make a difference in curing these disorders.
In conclusion, “Extraordinary Measures” is an inspiring tale of love and determination that proves anything is possible when we have a strong enough why behind our actions. The film’s cast delivers incredible performances that tug at our heartstrings, and its visuals are a feast for the eyes. Its message about never giving up hope is one that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll, making it a must-watch for anyone searching for motivation in life.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 105
- Release : 2010-01-21
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Brendan Fraser as John Crowley, Harrison Ford as Dr. Robert Stonehill, Keri Russell as Aileen Crowley, Courtney B. Vance as Marcus Temple, Meredith Droeger as Megan Crowley
- Crew : Harrison Ford as Executive Producer, Robert Nelson Jacobs as Screenplay, Michael Shamberg as Producer, Stacey Sher as Producer, Carla Santos Shamberg as Producer
- Popularity 7.596
- Budget : $31,000,000
- Revenue : $15,134,293
- Company : Double Feature Films, CBS Films
- Summary : Working-class father John Crowley is finally on the fast track to corporate success when his two young children are diagnosed with Pompe disease—a condition that prevents the body from breaking down sugar. With the support of his wife, John ditches his career and teams with unconventional specialist, Dr. Robert Stonehill to found a bio-tech company and develop a cure in time to save the lives of his children. As Dr. Stonehill works tirelessly to prove the theories that made him the black sheep of the medical community, a powerful bond is forged between the two unlikely allies.
- Tagline : Don’t hope for a miracle. Make one.
