Customer Reviews

Extraordinary Measures

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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!)

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.

"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".

I'm a father of three adults, grandfather to five girls under the age of 12. All are physically pretty healthy. So naturally, this story of kids with a crippling disease which usually kills them before they are ten got to me. Brendan Fraser is the dad of two victims, and he passionately pursues a path to a cure. Harrison Ford is a crusty, eccentric scientist who has the right idea for a helpful drug for the condition, but who cannot by himself get the funding for the proper tests. When they team up, lots of things happen, some good, some problematic. The road to a rosy resolution is rocky. The film is enjoyable all the way, but have a box of tissues handy. This is based on a true story, and in an added feature you can meet the real John Crowley family. I am very glad to have rented this.

Overall, a great movie with an inspiring message that you don't have to just accept your "fate". A very inspiring movie, that will touch anyone who cheers for the David's of the world who take on Goliath!
The movie follows one father, John, (played by Brenden Fraser) and his family, as he struggles, along with his wife, Aileen (played by Keri Russell), to help his two children who are living with a genetic debilitating disease, called Pompe. After his daughter is hospitalized and almost dies, he decides to track down a lone researcher, Dr. Stonehill (played by Harrison Ford) to find out how he can help his two children survive past their ninth birthday. Dr. Stonehill gives him the bottom line, aside from working on the right protein, it all comes down to money. And so begins a unique, and sometimes volatile relationship between the two men, as they wade through unknown territories, and greedy investors, of what it takes to bring research, to a viable product, and to bring that product through FDA guidelines and to the marketplace. What a roller coaster ride!
It's a great story, and a fantastic movie. They did an excellent job bringing the story to the screen. Great casting, good writing, good acting, good directing.
Plus it has a great ending! Excellent movie!

"I'm chasing the wind," said Crowley. A true story, then a book, now a film, is based on hope. EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES asks if it is worth risking everything for a single achievement? Love and family make risks a quick choice. For the real and movie Crowley family--it worked. For others, it might build hope. This excellent film is about defying the odds--gamble vs love--& sometimes winning. Emotional? YES! Real life is emotional.

John Crowley (Brendan Fraser), at a loss dealing with 2 children having Pompe disease (muscle illness, no Rx help, life expectancy of 9 yrs) looks to a Univ. of Nebraska Dr/researcher, Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford) for help. This may be one of Ford's best performances: emotional, funny, tough. He plays a maverick, soured, calloused, aging, poorly funded researcher who finds his own heart through the Crowley family. Awesome, realistic, portrayals by both men. Not to be upstaged, the mom, Aileen (Keri Russell) has her own moments and makes this EXTRAORDINARY scenario very believable.

John mixes his emotional experience as a parent with the profit motivated Zymagen drug firm. Aileen is at his side-most of the time. Deleted scenes show there was additional marriage and stress conflict needing reconciled. A family film, but really aimed at adults--and it hits the bull's eye.
If nothing else, the movie empathizes with families dealing with a disease prior to a pharmaceutical breakthrough. That is a heart-wrenching emotional battle.

Bonus is Subtitles, even in the bonus stuff.
Extraordinary Measures: The Power to Overcome; 10 min. meeting the real Crowley family.
Meet John Crowley; again 10 min. of the real dad.
Deleted scenes; 10 minutes.

Great real life to screen adaptation, with a real "Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus" finale.

Since watching "Awakening" and the story of introducing Dopa in the treatment of Parkinsonism, in the late 1980's, "Extraordinary Measures" presents the huge progress made in the biochemistry of the 21st century. In Awakening, Dopa was a simple drug that when ingested reaches the brain and stimulates the dopamine receptors, which reduce muscle rigidity in Parkinsonism. Extraordinary Measures covers the gigantic leaps made in genetics. Pompe disease, one of many genetic enzymatic disorders, involves the missing of an enzyme in the pathway of breaking down stored carbohydrates. The accumulated carbohydrates cause multiple organ failure by the age of 9 years.

In contrast to the mechanism of action of Dopa in Parkinsonism, the treatment of Pompe's disease requires finding a tagged molecule that could be identified by the diseased organ and that could trigger signals to the DNA of the diseased cells, activating the production of the missing enzyme. In the movie, the experimental drug appeared to act as a direct enzyme that acts immediately as it reaches its target cell. Had it been a DNA activator, it would requires a day or so to show action. The movie presents the dilemma of administering direct enzymes rather than DNA stimulators. A wrong enzyme could turn lethal by targeting the wrong sugar.

Reviving a complex scientific endeavor on the big screen of every mall and movie theatre transforms cinema into a folklore university. The movie conforms to the highest possible standards of telling a true story of human triumph over genetic disorder. Aside from the pathetic, eccentric personality of Harrison Ford's Dr. Stonehill, every other actor sounded as real as it gets.

The movie covered the effort of designing, manufacturing, testing, and licensing a potential drug in great details. Even though tagging an enzyme with a protein marker, that enhances its concentration in some tissues more than others, sounds like a simple idea, the movie discussed the technical difficulties of making the intervening enzymes controlling the absorption and metabolization of the drug as it reaches its target cells in the heart and breaks down the excessively accumulated sugar. Even if the science could alter the biochemical defect that underlies Pompe's disease, the movie went further to deal with process of clinical trial and the regulations that safeguard against endangering the lives of those who must consume the drug.

The humanitarian side of fighting a devastating genetic disorder was also covered neatly in the movie. The real victims of the disease must energize the endeavor of finding cure. The scientific institutions must seek revenues through whatever popular, such as sports. Scientific advances are low priorities for those institutions that struggle to get generate revenues. As such scientists fall in the bottom of payroll scale as their investigation requires many decades of hard work in order to return profit. The community also played a great role in advancing the research once the word got out educating people with the need to find cure.

The inconvenience of playing rough and eccentric by Harrison Ford acting as schizoid scientist was the only glitch in the movie as it made the acting unreal. In this movie, Ford appeared more congested and eccentric than his role in the Fugitive. The rest of the actors were new faces to me, which made their acting feel more real than Ford's acting.

EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES is a film to watch with family and friends - including and especially children. It is based on the book by Geeta Anand called `The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million - And Bucked the Medical Establishment - in a Quest to Save His Children' and the title of the book pretty much explains the film. Adapted for the screen by Robert Nelson Jacobs and directed by Tom Vaughan it has the courage to tackle a sensitive subject and manage to bring credibility to the struggle between medical research and health care delivery.

It is important to understand the disease that initiates the action and story of this film. Pompe disease is a rare inherited neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness in people of all ages. Pompe disease is caused by a defective gene that results in a deficiency of an enzyme, acid alpha-glucosidase. The absence of this enzyme results in excessive buildup of a substance called glycogen, a form of sugar that is stored in a specialized compartment of muscle cells throughout the body.

John and Aileen Crowley (Brendan Fraser and Keri Russell)are a Portland couple have two children, Megan (Meredith Droeger) and Patrick (Diego Velazquez)with Pompe disease as well as an older child John, Jr. (Sam M. Hall) who is free of the disease. John is an advertising executive, hears about and contacts Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford), a researcher in Nebraska who has done innovative research for an enzyme treatment. He has little money to fund his laboratory, and a thorny personality that drives away colleagues and funders. John and his wife Aileen raise money to help Stonehill's research and the required clinical trials. John takes on the task full time, working with venture capitalists and then rival teams of researchers. Time is running short, Stonehill's angry outburst hinder the company's faith in him, and the profit motive may upend John's hopes. The researchers race against time for the children who have the disease.

Among the beautiful moments and messages of this film are the reactions of the children to their disease, Dr. Stonehill's hermetic existence in researching a disease about which few fellow scientists seem to care, and above all the devotion of the Crowley's to overcome the hurdle that face them in bringing the research home to the benefit of their own children as well as to the afflicted children around the globe. The cast is uniformly strong and involve us in the quest for the support simple people bring to the discovery of cures. Grady Harp, November 11

For those of you who remember December of 2009, and the unbelievable amount of relentless commercials Extraordinary Measures would receive around Christmas that year... you'd understand that it darn well *better* be a good flick, and... it is. Thankfully!!!

It's about Brendan Fraser playing the role of a father who has two children with a fatal disease that leaves them in a wheelchair, and Harrison Ford plays the part of a scientist who actually has the cure.

The storyline mainly focuses around both Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford trying desperately to legalize this special medication but always having to put up with *someone* stepping on their toes in an attempt to try and stop the two of them from making the cure available. It even reaches a boiling point when they eventually turn against each other. As a result, expect both Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford to travel heavily around the country, mainly from Seattle to Nebraska to Portland, in a desperate search for legalization of this highly advanced medicine.

Now, remembering very clearly that I was forced to deal with the countless amount of advertisements for this film 17 months ago, I had a good feeling it would have a very distinct Hallmark-type style. You know, sort of low budget, with a positive message to send the viewers home happy. Well... it sort of does, truth be told, but honestly the storyline turned out to be compelling enough to keep me totally interested in it from beginning to end, which is sort of surprising to me. So my final verdict is that I can't possibly find Extraordinary Measures overrated and all those commercials I had to put up with WAS worth it after all.

By the way, doesn't Harrison Ford look exactly like Mark Harmon from the hit show NCIS? Even his strick and ultra serious mannerisms in this film were identical.

I thought it was a very good movie, but it was difficult for me to deal with children suffering. It was interesting and the acting was very good, but for me personally I need a more uplifting movie. It has a good outcome, but the subject matter "got to me" more than I realized it would.