An Extradordinary story

Extradordinary Measures (2010)

An uplifting and inspirational story, Extraordinary Measures will make you believe in miracles again. Based on true events and collected into a book by Geeta Anand, director Tom Vaughan brought the story to the big screen. Though there weren't many surprises as the plot progressed, this story sheds light on a genetic disease, Pompe, that until now was not very well-known by those outside affected families.

Extradordinary Measures posterThe touching plot follows John (Brendan Fraser) and Aileen Crowley (Keri Russell), on a heartbreaking mission to save the lives of two of their children diagnosed with Pompe. With the help of Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford), we watch a battle unfold against time to get some sort of clinical trials for treatment up and running as fast as possible.

I can't say that I was particularly blown away by any of the performances in the film. It's the story that will move you. The only cast member who really stood out was Ford Stonehill. Fraser, as the persistent father, just wasn't the right fit for the role. All I can think of when I look at him is crazy George from George of the Jungle.

Fortunately, I cannot relate to the struggles that the Crowley family deals with in this film. What I can say is that this story allows you to consider the delicacy of life and reminds you not to take your own good health for granted. The tagline of the film, “Don't wait for a miracle, make one,” should be a motivation to take problems into your own hands, no matter the size, rather than sit around and wait for a solution. Yes, Crowley was successful enough to have the money to get things done but he took huge risks and put a lot on the line. The cast was well-balanced, the story was easy to follow, and in the end you will leave with a smile.