adonis98-743-186503 A drama centered on the efforts of John and Aileen Crowley to find a researcher who might have a cure for their two children's rare genetic disorder. Despite some story problems and a bit of dramatic depth in parts Extraordinary Measures has a great cast of names like Harrison Ford, Brendan Fraser, Keri Russell, Courtney B. Vance, Jared Harris and the little kids are believable in their roles as well. The perfomances are top notch and decent in general and the overall story is interesting to keep viewers entertained, overall a decent dramatic film. (7.5/10)

Geoffrey DeLeons This film gives a pretty thorough look at the hard truth about the pharmaceutical/medical industries. It is no place for renegades (Ford's character) or idealists (Fraser's character). Even so, these two unlikely associates, through their reputations, talents and determination, manage to parlay themselves into the world of multi-million dollar clinical trials.Brendon Fraser did a superb acting job, and John Crowley manages to retain his integrity and manners while under intense pressure from several sources. Harrison Ford was not given the chance to flex his muscle, though. If his character had been made to have been a more dynamic and less-misanthropic researcher, the movie would have been more entertaining. I think the director and screenwriter handcuffed Harrison Ford's character a bit. I can forgive this, because I know that in reality, avoidant people like Dr. Stillwell do exist. I also think the audience could have benefited from a little bit more technical talk: There was very little talk of exactly what they were doing in the lab. Never-the-less, Extraordinary Measures is an extremely good film for those of us who appreciate being inspired by our art. Brendan has come a long way from Encino Man, and with Extraordinary Measures, as in the earlier Still Breathing, he shows us once again that he is very good at dramatic roles.One final note: It would have been nice for the screen dialogue at the end of the film to have included some background on the disease and its present numbers. More importantly, we would have liked to have learned more about the present status of the enzyme transport drug: How many have benefited from it? Only infants? How much money does it cost, etc. A movie well worth watching.

Prismark10 Extraordinary Measures is supposedly based on true events. Like the 1992 film, Lorenzo's Oil it is the story of two parents in a relentless search for a cure. In this case children suffering from Pompe's disease.Brendan Fraser plays the dad who gives up a well paid executive job in order to develop a possible cure.Harrison Ford is the doctor who has done cutting edge research but needs to turn that research into a substantive cure.In their way is the search for finance which leads them to the arms of the pharmaceutical companies who have alternative agendas one of them being the search for the bottom line. The almighty dollar.Fraser does well as the doting dad who fears time for his son and daughter is running out, ably supported by Keri Russell who plays the mum.Ford on the other hand is again on the well trodden road as the sourpuss, the hard to get along maverick researcher. He really brings nothing new to the table as the grouch which he has been playing for many years nowThe biggest problem is that the film is just a big budget movie of the week with bigger stars. The script rather jogs along, Fraser seeks out Ford, Ford is sceptical and hard hearted, he mellows. Then once they hook up with the big pharmaceutical companies, they fall out as Ford is not a team player and then reunite as the drug trials start.The biggest stars of the film are the children who play the sufferers of Pompe's disease who bring home their plight more than the script does.

jack_face The movie itself really wasn't bad at all. It's not a tearjerker. It's a drama through and through with some well placed laughs that made it more authentic and enjoyable. No special effects of any kind. Just strictly acting and plot with minimal twists. Minimal meaning they aren't so hardcore that you're shocked and surprised but when they happen, they're well placed and make sense. Looks like this is based on a book too but I forgot the title and author. They did show it in the beginning credits. Brendan Fraser's acting was about what you can expect. Yet it matched the tone of the rest of the flick. Nor was he in the best shape he's ever been in. He's got a little potbelly that's clearly visible along with some extra chin. Old man Harrison Ford's in better shape than him.If you're a sci-fi fan, you'll get a couple of treats here. Jared Harris from Fringe does a horrible American accent as a corporate exec. And Courtney Vance from FlashForward plays the parent of a Pompe kid. Never heard of Pompe disease till seeing this movie. Like many inherited diseases, my proposal is to just stop the gene. If you know you're genetically predispositioned to produce certain negative traits when having kids, then don't have any. Harrison Ford does a lot of yelling here but his rational, human side always shines through. The movie title basically describes what Fraser is willing to do to save his and other kids with the disease. It's emotional and shows what the human spirit is capable of when confronted with adversity. Some people just give up. This movie shows what can happen when you don't and I like that message because I promote it whenever possible. It's a very positive movie. Good for families. Not at all unrealistic.Since you don't get much bang for your buck, I wouldn't recommend paying for it unless you got nothing better to do because, really, it has the production values of a TV movie. It is CBS Films after all. It's not a bad movie but you're better off waiting on DVD or for it to broadcast on HBO or regular TV which is where it'll end up eventually. Anyone could have played the roles in this movie and the script and directing isn't spectacular but since they went with big name actors, that's about the only reason it got released in theaters. I give it 6.5 out of 10 stars. Not bad at all, worth seeing, but not worth going out of your way to see. If you manage to catch it, then hey, good for you. You won't be disappointed.