On CLIPS In February, 2010
EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES

John Crowley (Brendan Fraser) desperately seeks a cure for a rare genetic disorder that two of his children are afflicted with. Harrison Ford co-stars in this true-life drama.

TRIVIA: What was the last movie where Harrison Ford did not have his name listed first in the credits?

John Crowley (Brendan Fraser) and his wife Aileen (Keri Russell) devote their lives to finding a cure for the rare genetic Pompe Disease that has afflicted two of their three children. Crowley seeks help from Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford), a difficult loner who happens to be the leading researcher into the disease. The desperate father quits his lucrative job to form a company with Stonehill to produce a life-saving drug. Based on a true story, "Extraordinary Measures" is an informative and entertaining drama that feels like one of those television disease-of-the-week movies. But this one is rescued by some first-class actors and their performances. Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford are masters at displaying a wide range of emotions. Director Tom Vaughan ("What Happens In Vegas") keeps the spotlight on Mr. Ford, who is also Executive Producer, whenever possible. Mr. Fraser and Ms. Russell manage to grab their share of the spotlight. Not to be overlooked are Meredith Droeger and Diego Velazquez as Megan and Patrick, the Crowley children who are suffering from the life-threatening disease. Their affecting performances keep the film from getting sappy and morose. In an attempt to take the focus away from the family's medical problems, the theme shifts to corporate politics when Crowley's start-up company has trouble bringing the drug to market. This adds more drama to a story that works just fine when concentrating on the family. "Extraordinary Measures" is compelling, but it never quite rises above the ordinary.