Extraordinary Measures

I have not seen a movie in theaters for a long while that has pulled at my heartstrings as much as Extraordinary Measures has (the last one being Seven Pounds with Will Smith).

This drama, based off a true story, stars fammed mummy hunter Brendan Fraser as real-life businessman John Crowley who is willing to do anything to save the lives of two of his children who are dying of a muscle dystraphy disease called Pompe. Mr. Crowley (an Ozzy Osbourne reference) really does go to "extraordinary measures" as he recruits an eccentric researcher and college professor named Robert Stonehill, played outstandingly by Harrison Ford, who may be able to help save the lives of his children.

The not so good part: I was a little sceptical about this film when I found out that Tom Vaughan was going to direct it. For those of you who may not know, Vaughan directed the not-so-extraordinary What Happens In Vegas with Cameron Diaz and Ashton Cutcher (you only need to know that to understand my skepticism). However, I was suprised to see that the "Vaughan factor" did not take anything away from this film, however, it did not add anything to it either. It kind of felt like Vaughan knew the concept that camera motion adds drama, sadly he applied it in every scene except the ones that needed it the most.

The good part: I really enjoyed the preformances by all the actors. Brendan Fraser can do dramas just as well as he can do action and we all know that he can do action. I really was suprised at Fraser's character's ability to stay strong in the face of adversity and when he finally does let it all out in the end, it just makes you feel even more sympathetic for the character and I think that's awesome. Executive Producer Harrison Ford really adds something to the film; he makes it seem more realistic because his character is so down to Earth and he plays it really well. Ironically it is Ford's character who brings the most drama and comic relief to this film.

Extraordinary Measures is an uplifting film with a great blend of humor and drama. The actors really know their characters, bringing them to life in such a realistic way that you cannot but feel for the real life people who went through this. However, I feel as if the director needs more experience in the drama genre. Thus I give this fim 3 stars out of 4. Do not let this stop you from seeing it because it is a good film and most people would not complain, I am just picky. Go see it.