| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
From director J.J. Abrams comes the next installment in the Star Trek saga, Star Trek Into Darkness. See it at Cinemark theaters now and pre-order on Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, DVD, and the Exclusive Starfleet Phaser Gift Set. Shop Star Trek Into Darkness and more in the Star Trek Store. Learn more |
Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Special Features
Go behind the scenes of this uplifting movie with interviews of the cast and also the family whose true story inspired the film. Also includes Deleted Scenes.
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Imagine Harrison Ford as a rogue scientist exploring not ancient artifacts of lost arks, but biochemical research to help cure rare diseases. In Extraordinary Measures, Ford manages to keep some of that wry rebellious Indiana Jones energy as he plays Dr. Robert Stonehill, a fringe researcher whose findings just might help keep alive the two children of John Crowley, played with heart and sobriety by Brendan Fraser. Extraordinary Measures is based on a true story, one chronicled in the gripping book The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million--and Bucked the Medical Establishment--in a Quest to Save His Children, by Wall Street Journal reporter Geeta Anand. The cast is excellent, with Ford tamping down his occasional urge to vamp for the camera, and Fraser grounded in his first true adult role. The supporting cast is also strong, including Keri Russell as Crowley's frantic wife, facing the near-certain death of both of her children; Dee Wallace, Jared Harris, and Courtney B. Vance also appear as strong supporting characters. Director Tom Vaughan switches gears from his wildly successful romp What Happens in Vegas to turn in a crisply paced and suspenseful family drama. As Crowley and Dr. Stonehill team up to raise money to support Stonehill's research, Crowley says, "Who's going to be half as motivated as the dad who's trying to save his own kids?" Extraordinary Measures brings to mind similar dramas like Lorenzo's Oil, but its heart and drive are unique to the story of the Crowleys, a very special family indeed. --A.T. Hurley
Stills from Extraordinary Measures (Click for larger image)
Stills from Extraordinary Measures (Click for larger image)
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Product Description
Fate and determination push idealistic father, John Crowley (Brendan Fraser, The Mummy) into joining forces with reclusive medical researcher, Dr. Robert Stonehill (Academy Awardr nominee Harrison Ford, Best Actor in a leading role, Witness, 1985). Together, this unlikely pair face impossible odds as they battle the entire medical establishment and time itself to find a cure before it's too late. Also starring Golden Glober winner Kerri Russell, Extraordinary Measures is a true story of the power of love and faith against impossible odds. Inspired by the book "The Cure" by Pulitzer Prize Winning Writer Greeta Anand.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
91 of 98 people found the following review helpful
By Gkayemarie
Format:DVD
This movie motivated me to write my first review.
I read on 'Rottentomatoes' that Extraordinary Measures "never feels like more than a made-for-TV tearjerker." Don't believe it! I am convinced that critics who do critiquing for a living often lose their senses of wonder, along with their senses of humor. After hundreds to thousands of movie viewings, they no longer see the story that makes the acting come alive. They only judge the acting (and that, superficially), and my guess is that most go into the theater with preconceived ideas based on trailers and their personal attitudes toward the actors in the film under review.
So with that out of the way, I will concentrate on the movie which I saw last night.
John & Aileen Crowley and their children, John Jr., Megan and Patrick, are the real stars of this movie. Which tells me that the actors who portrayed them did their job well.
As usual in his serious roles, Brendan Fraser brought to the screen the intensity and humanity and reality of John Crowley's decision/quest/obsession for a medical miracle for his children. Brendan is unique. He has been wise in not being stereotyped. As far as I can see, he has much more to bring to life cinematically. His humor is one of his greatest attributes.
Keri Russell is relatable as Aileen. In this condensed version of this part of Aileen's life, I think Keri allowed us to see into Aileen's emotions and her relationships with her children as well as with John.
The children were played by Meredith Droeger as Megan and Diego Velazquez as Patrick. I was entranced by both children. They were believable and amazing in their mature ability to play children with Pompe challenges, while still showing how the disease does not identify their individuality. I believe both Meredith and Diego have a great future ahead of them regardless of their paths in life.
Sam M. Hall is a delightful young man who, I feel sure, played big brother John Jr. very much as he is - supportive, loving and responsible. His own challenges came through often with Sam's expressions and responses to difficult situations.
And, of course, what can you say about Harrison Ford that has not already been said. I watched his interview with Charlie Rose, and he said then that his character, Dr. Stonehill, was a compilation of several doctors the Crowleys worked with. His characterization of the medical research personality was probably not all that far from truth. But he naturally gives his signature personality to the contrary doctor. (I have known some egos like his in the medical field.) In short, he was wonderful. And I truly appreciate his dedication to getting this story to film (along with anyone else involved).
See this film if you have a heart for children. See it if you like any of these actors. (And watch for Dee Wallace. Short but oh so sweet!)
I read on 'Rottentomatoes' that Extraordinary Measures "never feels like more than a made-for-TV tearjerker." Don't believe it! I am convinced that critics who do critiquing for a living often lose their senses of wonder, along with their senses of humor. After hundreds to thousands of movie viewings, they no longer see the story that makes the acting come alive. They only judge the acting (and that, superficially), and my guess is that most go into the theater with preconceived ideas based on trailers and their personal attitudes toward the actors in the film under review.
So with that out of the way, I will concentrate on the movie which I saw last night.
John & Aileen Crowley and their children, John Jr., Megan and Patrick, are the real stars of this movie. Which tells me that the actors who portrayed them did their job well.
As usual in his serious roles, Brendan Fraser brought to the screen the intensity and humanity and reality of John Crowley's decision/quest/obsession for a medical miracle for his children. Brendan is unique. He has been wise in not being stereotyped. As far as I can see, he has much more to bring to life cinematically. His humor is one of his greatest attributes.
Keri Russell is relatable as Aileen. In this condensed version of this part of Aileen's life, I think Keri allowed us to see into Aileen's emotions and her relationships with her children as well as with John.
The children were played by Meredith Droeger as Megan and Diego Velazquez as Patrick. I was entranced by both children. They were believable and amazing in their mature ability to play children with Pompe challenges, while still showing how the disease does not identify their individuality. I believe both Meredith and Diego have a great future ahead of them regardless of their paths in life.
Sam M. Hall is a delightful young man who, I feel sure, played big brother John Jr. very much as he is - supportive, loving and responsible. His own challenges came through often with Sam's expressions and responses to difficult situations.
And, of course, what can you say about Harrison Ford that has not already been said. I watched his interview with Charlie Rose, and he said then that his character, Dr. Stonehill, was a compilation of several doctors the Crowleys worked with. His characterization of the medical research personality was probably not all that far from truth. But he naturally gives his signature personality to the contrary doctor. (I have known some egos like his in the medical field.) In short, he was wonderful. And I truly appreciate his dedication to getting this story to film (along with anyone else involved).
See this film if you have a heart for children. See it if you like any of these actors. (And watch for Dee Wallace. Short but oh so sweet!)
49 of 53 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES
STARRING: Brendan Fraser, Harrison Ford, Keri Russell, Meredith Droeger, Diego Velazquez, Sam Hall, Jared Harris, Patrick Bauchau, Alan Ruck and Dee Wallace
WRITTEN BY: Robert Nelson Jacobs; based on the book by Geeta Anand
DIRECTED BY: Tom Vaughan
Rated: PG
Genre: Drama
Release Date: 22 January 2010
Review Date: 21 February 2010
I won't even pretend to know the facts about Pompe disease. But what I do know is movies. And I take very much pleasure in squashing the opinions that Extraordinary Measures is a bad film and a cheesy film and that it belongs on a day-time old lady channel like Lifetime, rather than in mainstream theaters across our beautiful nation. It was fantastic.
Brendan Fraser stars as John Crowley, a father desperate to save his two children who are dying from the horrible disease. When he hears of a doctor who's been working on a cure, he attempts to call on him for help. After a very well written scene of him trying to get the hermit of a doctor on the phone, he flies to his hometown in Nebraska for a chance meeting of face to face.
Dr. Robert Stonehill is played by Harrison Ford. He's a man with the letters D and R in front of his name but rather than the victims, it's the scientific structure of the disease he finds a fascination in.
Fraser's character John is supported by his loving wife Aileen (Keri Russell). The film has received some slack in regards to their relationship being two dimensional, but I can clear that up right now with two little words: It's not. The scene they share early on, when they are interrupted by the babysitter, was more than enough to shed light on their relationship. The film doesn't dwell on their relationship, because that's not its focus. The focus is on the disease and their children dying from it.
John sees something in Stonehill regardless of his eccentric behavior and often cold personality. He works relentlessly to get him on his side and eventually it pays off. The two team-up and set forth to find a cure for this God-awful disease.
Fraser and Ford may seem like an odd match, but what they do on film together is amazing. Fraser, who is primarily known for his funnier roles, is a very talented actor. He's never overpowered by the pressure of sharing a scene with Ford and both of them deliver in every scene.
One of the things that make the film so enjoyable other than the great performances is its ability to make us cry and seconds later have us laughing out loud. This was a continuing factor throughout the film, and it's not an easy one to pull off. Extraordinary Measures could easily be the most underrated film of 2009. Don't miss it.
STARRING: Brendan Fraser, Harrison Ford, Keri Russell, Meredith Droeger, Diego Velazquez, Sam Hall, Jared Harris, Patrick Bauchau, Alan Ruck and Dee Wallace
WRITTEN BY: Robert Nelson Jacobs; based on the book by Geeta Anand
DIRECTED BY: Tom Vaughan
Rated: PG
Genre: Drama
Release Date: 22 January 2010
Review Date: 21 February 2010
I won't even pretend to know the facts about Pompe disease. But what I do know is movies. And I take very much pleasure in squashing the opinions that Extraordinary Measures is a bad film and a cheesy film and that it belongs on a day-time old lady channel like Lifetime, rather than in mainstream theaters across our beautiful nation. It was fantastic.
Brendan Fraser stars as John Crowley, a father desperate to save his two children who are dying from the horrible disease. When he hears of a doctor who's been working on a cure, he attempts to call on him for help. After a very well written scene of him trying to get the hermit of a doctor on the phone, he flies to his hometown in Nebraska for a chance meeting of face to face.
Dr. Robert Stonehill is played by Harrison Ford. He's a man with the letters D and R in front of his name but rather than the victims, it's the scientific structure of the disease he finds a fascination in.
Fraser's character John is supported by his loving wife Aileen (Keri Russell). The film has received some slack in regards to their relationship being two dimensional, but I can clear that up right now with two little words: It's not. The scene they share early on, when they are interrupted by the babysitter, was more than enough to shed light on their relationship. The film doesn't dwell on their relationship, because that's not its focus. The focus is on the disease and their children dying from it.
John sees something in Stonehill regardless of his eccentric behavior and often cold personality. He works relentlessly to get him on his side and eventually it pays off. The two team-up and set forth to find a cure for this God-awful disease.
Fraser and Ford may seem like an odd match, but what they do on film together is amazing. Fraser, who is primarily known for his funnier roles, is a very talented actor. He's never overpowered by the pressure of sharing a scene with Ford and both of them deliver in every scene.
One of the things that make the film so enjoyable other than the great performances is its ability to make us cry and seconds later have us laughing out loud. This was a continuing factor throughout the film, and it's not an easy one to pull off. Extraordinary Measures could easily be the most underrated film of 2009. Don't miss it.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"Extraordinary Measures" is an inspiring movie. It is based upon the true story of the Crowley family and their struggle with Pompe disease. I rate this movie superior because the tale is vital, the action gripping, and the movie is well acted.
"Extraordinary Measures" presents John Crowley (Brendan Fraser), his wife Aileen (Keri Russell) and their children, John Jr. (Sam M. Hall), Megan (Meredith Droeger) and Patrick (Diego Velazquez). Both Megan and Patrick Crowley have Pompe disease and are not expected to live past their eighth or ninth birthday. John and Aileen decide that prognosis is unacceptable and become determined to find a cure.
The Crowleys learn that professor Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford) at the University of Nebraska Is close to finding a treatment for Pompe. They solicit Stonehill's help and form a company dedicated to discovering a cure for this terrible disease.
As I watched the science progress, I began to understand the difficulty of performing biochemical research and the near impossibility of taking a new drug to market. The challenges of financing and the difficulty of getting FDA approval became clear. The dialogue seemed real and the science understandable. The script writers for this film produced a scientifically clear script.
Harrison Ford plays a biochemist who is technically superior, but unable to communicate without creating stress. This is a very different part for Harrison Ford but he presents a believable, old codger academic who struggles with interpersonal communication.
Brendan Fraser is outstanding as a sensitive, persistent John Crowley who gently pushes for solutions. Keri Russell appears a concerned mother desperate to save her children. Meredith Droeger and Diego Velazquez are wonderful as the Pompe plagued children. Unlike many child actors, these two talented youngsters appear natural and convincing in their roles.
This movie tells a good human interest story with excellent characters and a realistic plot. I highly recommend "Extraordinary Measures".
"Extraordinary Measures" presents John Crowley (Brendan Fraser), his wife Aileen (Keri Russell) and their children, John Jr. (Sam M. Hall), Megan (Meredith Droeger) and Patrick (Diego Velazquez). Both Megan and Patrick Crowley have Pompe disease and are not expected to live past their eighth or ninth birthday. John and Aileen decide that prognosis is unacceptable and become determined to find a cure.
The Crowleys learn that professor Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford) at the University of Nebraska Is close to finding a treatment for Pompe. They solicit Stonehill's help and form a company dedicated to discovering a cure for this terrible disease.
As I watched the science progress, I began to understand the difficulty of performing biochemical research and the near impossibility of taking a new drug to market. The challenges of financing and the difficulty of getting FDA approval became clear. The dialogue seemed real and the science understandable. The script writers for this film produced a scientifically clear script.
Harrison Ford plays a biochemist who is technically superior, but unable to communicate without creating stress. This is a very different part for Harrison Ford but he presents a believable, old codger academic who struggles with interpersonal communication.
Brendan Fraser is outstanding as a sensitive, persistent John Crowley who gently pushes for solutions. Keri Russell appears a concerned mother desperate to save her children. Meredith Droeger and Diego Velazquez are wonderful as the Pompe plagued children. Unlike many child actors, these two talented youngsters appear natural and convincing in their roles.
This movie tells a good human interest story with excellent characters and a realistic plot. I highly recommend "Extraordinary Measures".
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Motivational story that touches the heart
To be honest, I hadn't heard about Pompe disease before watching the movie. The movie is about the protagonist and his wife realizing that they would loose their children to a... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Sujatha
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extraordinary Measures
This is the amazing story about perseverance, passion, tenacity, egos and success.
If you like happy endings, this is the one.!
If you like happy endings, this is the one.!
Published 26 days ago by barbara downs
4.0 out of 5 stars
A True and Inspiring Story of Medical Research
I ordered this DVD because I was interested in the disease being featured in the story. I thought the performances by the chosen actors were brilliant, and the story really tugged... Read more
Published 3 months ago by N. W. Leveque
4.0 out of 5 stars
Harrison Ford
I was very excited to own this DVD before it was released in Australia. I'm not the biggest fan of the film however.
Published 3 months ago by Kayla White
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie
Good seller, fast shipping great movie and just what I was looking for.
Thank you for being such a good seller
Thank you for being such a good seller
Published 3 months ago by TRACEY LEMA
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extraordinary Measures
Harrison Ford does a magnificent job in this movie portraying a determined MD. It is a true story and one everyone should watch.
Published 4 months ago by linde
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very enjoyable movie
We don't order many movies, but this was one we definitely were glad to have purchased. With one of our favorites, Harrison Ford, it was very enjoyable to watch.
Published 4 months ago by Actinfaith
5.0 out of 5 stars
a must see for famlies
Excellant movie to give people encouragement on sick loved ones. A real eye opener into the
research people ans what it takes to get new drugs in process.
research people ans what it takes to get new drugs in process.
Published 5 months ago by Maud Wiley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring - a must see
Harrison Ford outdoes himself in this film. The child actors are compelling. A true story hat will inspire the whole family.
Published 5 months ago by L. Speid
5.0 out of 5 stars
You need to see this movie!!
Awesome story!! i love watching movies that are real life. I also have a tremendous respect for medical research. This was a win-win.
Published 5 months ago by anev06
