Extraordinary Measures Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dad quits his job and becomes best frenemies with a grumpy scientist to save his kids from a disease you’ve probably never heard of, all while fighting corporate greed.

🍿 Extraordinary Measures: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Crowley Family and Pompe Disease

John and Aileen Crowley live in Portland with their three children. Their two youngest, Megan and Patrick, suffer from Pompe disease, a rare and often fatal genetic disorder that weakens the muscles and organs. The children face a grim prognosis, with a limited life expectancy.

Desperate Measures: Seeking a Cure

Desperate to save their children, John begins researching potential treatments and comes across the work of Dr. Robert Stonehill, a brilliant but eccentric scientist in Nebraska. Stonehill has developed a promising enzyme therapy, but lacks funding and resources to conduct clinical trials.

An Unlikely Partnership

John takes a huge risk, quitting his job and partnering with Dr. Stonehill to raise funds and develop the enzyme treatment. Their partnership is fraught with challenges, as they navigate the complex world of pharmaceutical research and corporate interests. Stonehill’s abrasive personality clashes with John’s business acumen, creating tension as they race against time.

Navigating Corporate Obstacles and Ethical Dilemmas

As the research progresses, John and Dr. Stonehill face numerous obstacles, including securing funding, dealing with corporate bureaucracy, and navigating ethical dilemmas. They work with venture capitalists and larger pharmaceutical companies, but find themselves at odds with the profit-driven motives that often overshadow the urgency of finding a cure. The pressure mounts as the Crowley children’s health deteriorates.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John Crowley (Brendan Fraser): A determined father who leaves his job to find a cure for his children’s Pompe disease.
• Aileen Crowley (Keri Russell): John’s supportive wife who helps raise money and support her children.
• Dr. Stonehill (Harrison Ford): A brilliant but eccentric researcher working on an enzyme treatment for Pompe disease.
• Megan Crowley (Meredith Droeger): The older daughter of John and Aileen, suffering from Pompe disease, inspires her father’s mission.
• Patrick Crowley (Diego Velazquez): The younger son of John and Aileen, also suffering from Pompe disease, adding to the urgency of the situation.
• Dr. Kent Webber (Jared Harris): A hard-nosed executive at Zymagen who initially prioritizes competition over collaboration.
• Marcus Temple (Courtney B. Vance): A fellow parent of children with Pompe disease who offers support and understanding to the Crowleys.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Crowley: “We have to try. We have to do everything we can.” – John’s determination to find a cure, expressing the desperation and love driving his actions.
• Dr. Stonehill: “I already work around the clock!” – Dr. Stonehill’s response to John’s persistent requests, highlighting his dedication to his research.
• Dr. Stonehill: “Scientists get all sensible & careful when they get old. Young ones like risk, not afraid of new ideas.” – Dr. Stonehill highlights his belief in the need to take chances in scientific research to come up with breakthroughs and new possibilities.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $31,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $12,068,313
• Worldwide Gross: $15,134,293

💥 Extraordinary Measures Reviews

Personal Review

I found this movie really touching, even though it’s a bit predictable. Seeing Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford team up was interesting, especially Ford playing against his usual heroic type. I teared up during the scenes with the kids – their strength was inspiring. It’s definitely a movie that makes you appreciate the lengths parents will go to for their children.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of medical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in true stories”
  • “People who enjoy inspirational films”
  • “Families dealing with rare diseases”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Illness of children”
  • “Emotional scenes”
  • “Discussion of a life-threatening genetic disorder”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While boasting strong performances from Fraser and Ford, *Extraordinary Measures* ultimately feels like a made-for-TV movie, hampered by a predictable plot and overly sentimental moments. The film’s heavy reliance on emotional manipulation undermines its important message.
• Metacritic: “*Extraordinary Measures* delivers an emotionally charged story, but struggles to balance the science and sentimentality. Ford’s performance is a highlight, but the film’s pacing and predictable narrative prevent it from leaving a lasting impression.
• IMDB: “This movie shows the lengths good parents will go for their children. One of the most underrated films of the year. Clearly this movie was too intellectual for the general public. Well acted, well directed and with a very powerful message.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford made the movie watchable.: Many praised the performances of the lead actors, especially Harrison Ford’s portrayal of the eccentric scientist.

The film is a heartwarming true story that inspires.: Viewers found the movie emotionally moving and appreciated the focus on family and perseverance.

Overall Consensus: Extraordinary Measures is a heartwarming drama boosted by strong performances, but suffers from a predictable plot and overly sentimental moments, which prevents it from being truly extraordinary.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Harrison Ford served as an executive producer on the film and was instrumental in bringing the project to the screen.”
• “The character of Dr. Robert Stonehill is a composite of several real-life scientists involved in Pompe disease research, including Dr. William Canfield and Dr. Yuan-Tsong Chen.”
• “The movie is based on the book ‘The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million – And Bucked the Medical Establishment – in a Quest to Save His Children’ by Geeta Anand, which chronicles the true story of John Crowley’s fight to find a cure for his children’s illness.”

🖥️ How to Watch Extraordinary Measures?

Extraordinary Measures is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as services can vary by region. Digital purchase or rental options are also available on these services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Extraordinary Measures, you might like these similar films:

• Lorenzo’s Oil (1992): Both films depict parents fighting against the odds to find a cure for their children’s rare and life-threatening diseases, showcasing the struggles and sacrifices involved.
• The Theory of Everything (2014): This movie highlights a genius scientist struggling with a disease and the impact it has on his work and family.
• Dallas Buyers Club (2013): Deals with a man taking matters into his own hands regarding his health and challenging the medical establishment.

🛒 Extraordinary Measures Related Products

• The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million–And Bucked the Medical Establishment–In a Quest to Save His Children: The book on which the movie is based, offering a deeper dive into the true story of John Crowley’s fight to find a cure for his children’s illness. Provides a more detailed and nuanced account of the scientific and personal challenges.
• Pompe Disease Awareness Bracelet: A silicone wristband to raise awareness about Pompe disease, featuring the ribbon colors associated with the condition. A small way to show your support for families and research efforts.

🎧 Soundtrack

Extraordinary Measures features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Happy Birthday” – performed by Traditional

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Extraordinary Measures – At UK Cinemas 26 February 2010

Ever wondered what inspired ‘Extraordinary Measures’? This video dives into the true story behind the movie, revealing how a Wall Street Journal article sparked it all, and that Harrison Ford was key to its making! It’s pretty cool knowing the real-life roots of this story.

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