Sony Pictures | 2010 | 106 mins. | Rated PG
If Extraordinary Measures has the look and feel of a made-for-TV movie, the explanation is a rather simple one: it’s the first feature released by the newly constituted CBS Films. Since Extraordinary Measures is a tremulous medical drama about a father trying to save the lives of his children, I suppose it would be tempting to label the film as one of those disease-of-the-week movies that used to pop up on network television with dizzying regularity. Apart from a few swear words, this film could indeed air on CBS. However, a discernible message and strong performances from Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser, makes this film a cut above you’re average movie of the week.
Based on events chronicled in Geeta Anand’s book “The Cure” and fictionalized by screenwriter Robert Nelson Jacobs (Chocolat, The Shipping News)—earns any tears viewers may shed, rather than forcing them. While the story is unquestionably sappy and melodramatic, the filmmakers take a few interesting turns getting to what quickly becomes the inevitable conclusion.
John Crowley, a Portland pharmaceutical executive, is played by Brendan Fraser, an actor who bleeds sincerity. John and his wife, Aileen (Keri Russell), have three young children, two of whom have a deadly metabolic disorder called Pompe disease. There is no effective treatment, but John believes a university scientist has done the research necessary to develop one. Crowley tracks down the country’s preeminent Pompe’s researcher, Nebraskan Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford), in hopes that the doctor can or has developed the cure that his children need. Unfortunately, Stonehill is overworked and underfunded and in need of half a million dollars just to get his potentially life-saving research off the ground. John’s persistence and willingness to raise the funds the doctor needs results in an unlikely alliance in the name of cutting through bureaucracy and saving lives.
Along the way, Extraordinary Measures gives the audience a rare glimpse at the at the pharmaceutical industry’s research and development levels, with the expected battle over profits versus people—or as Crowley puts it, “This is not about a return on an investment! It’s about kids! Kids with names!” Crowley’s afflicted ones are named Megan (Meredith Droeger) and Patrick (Diego Velazquez). Megan, the older one, confined to a wheelchair as her muscles and organs fail, is the one assigned by the film to crack through Dr. Stonehill’s shell.
It’s impossible for most us to see sick children and not have an emotional response. However, for a film like Extraordinary Measures to work, it must have other elements. The movie does a solid job of building a story around Pompe disease and getting quality performances out of all the actors involved. So while some may blow this off as another ‘disease’ flick, it does a good job of educating people about the basics of pompe’s and one fathers struggle to find an effective treatment.
Sony´s 1.85:1 1080p High Definition video transfer is remarkably good. Shot on location in the Pacific Northwest, we´re given soft dark tones and strong reliance on natural light. No grain is noticeable, and the cinematography, while conventional, helps add balance. Detail is impressive, particularly of a character´s face. You can count hairs, watch tears form or see a frown turn into a smile from a mile away. The picture quality, most importantly, remains consistent from beginning to end.
Normal toned dialogue dominates the film´s English 5.1 DTS-High Definition Master Audio soundtrack. Some music and the occasional loud argument appear, but as a whole there´s nothing inaudible. Extraordinary Measures won´t engulf your living room or home theater with sound, but the range this audio transfer has to offer will connote the film´s desired emotions easily. Optional English subtitles are available.
Extraordinary Measures features a small collection of special features, beginning with Meet John Crowley (1080i, 4:35), a short piece that introduces viewers to both Pompe’s disease and the real-life people whose story inspired the film. Extraordinary Measures: The Power to Overcome (1080p, 10:43) is an effective behind-the-scenes piece that features cast and crew speaking on the film and the real-life story behind it, intercut with plenty of scenes from the movie. Also included is a collection of nine deleted scenes (1080p, 9:22); BD-Live functionality and MovieIQ connectivity.
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