Extraordinary Measures (film)

Extraordinary Measures is a 2010 biographical drama film that centers on the efforts of a father to save his children who are diagnosed with Pompe disease, a rare and fatal neuromuscular disorder. The film is inspired by the true story of John Crowley, a man who defied conventional wisdom and great odds, and risked his family's future to pursue a cure for his children's life-threatening condition.

Plot

The film begins with John Crowley (Brendan Fraser) and his wife Aileen (Keri Russell) struggling to care for their two children, Megan and Patrick, who are suffering from Pompe disease. The disease is a form of muscular dystrophy that typically kills its victims before they reach the age of 10. Desperate to find a cure, John discovers the work of Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford), a brilliant but unconventional scientist who may hold the key to a treatment.

John convinces Dr. Stonehill to partner with him in creating a biotech company aimed at developing a drug to combat Pompe disease. Despite numerous obstacles, including financial difficulties and the skepticism of the medical community, the pair perseveres in their quest, ultimately succeeding in developing a groundbreaking treatment.

Cast

• Brendan Fraser as John Crowley
• Harrison Ford as Dr. Robert Stonehill
• Keri Russell as Aileen Crowley
• Courtney B. Vance as Marcus Temple

Reception

Extraordinary Measures received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the performances of Fraser and Ford, others criticized the film for its formulaic approach to the biographical drama genre. The film was also a commercial disappointment, grossing only $15 million against a $31 million budget.

Impact

Despite its lackluster performance at the box office, Extraordinary Measures has been praised for bringing attention to the struggles faced by families dealing with rare diseases. The film has also been credited with raising awareness about the importance of medical research and the challenges involved in bringing new treatments to market.

See also

• Pompe disease
• John Crowley (biotech executive)
• Biotechnology