By: Holley Sinn

Verdict: Denied

There's a certain irony to the subject matter of this week's film, "Extraordinary Measures", and the reason why I am ultimately going to tell you to wait on seeing it until it eventually airs on television.  The film is about funding...pulling together the resources to research a cure for a rare genetic disease.  The style and production value on the film suggests a LACK of funding.  There are certain distinct differences between made-for-television films and theater releases, and for the most part, they come down to budget.  Theater films get more money which translates to higher caliber production crews, more time and often, better equipment with which to work.  Made-for-tv movies typically get far less time to shoot, less experienced directors and often, lesser known actors.  However, in the case of "Extraordinary Measures", Harrison Ford's producer status likely helped attract the likes of Brendan Fraser and Keri Russell...but otherwise, this CBS Films production looks like it belongs in a Sunday night primetime movie-of-the-week spot.

Harrison Ford stars as Dr. Robert Stonehill, a geneticist whose research supports a potential treatment for a rare genetic disorder.  Brendan Fraser plays John Crowley, a man whose children are dying from that same degenerative disease.  At the cost of his job and valuable time with his family, Crowley makes it his mission to achieve the necessary amount of funding to help Stonehill turn his theories into a full-fledged treatment. 

Together the men form their own company complete with a team of young scientists all devoted to developing a medication for the disorder.  When funding comes dangerously close to running dry, Crowley sells the operation to a large drug company, and Dr. Stonehill finds himself competing against other researchers to create the most effective drug. 

When all is said and done, Crowley must resort to desperate measures to make sure the proper drug is selected and that his children will even stand to benefit after all of his hard work. 

"Extraordinary Measures" is based on the true story of the Crowley family and their quest for a cure.  It's sweet, heart-warming and certainly a story worth telling, but this film feels amateurish as compared to other big screen releases.  Keri Russell is wasted as the supportive Aileen Crowley, and while the young actors who play the Crowley children are darling, there are too many cheesy forced moments of family revelry that just don't ring sincere. 

However, if you do intend to see "Extraordinary Measures", you should know that it is rated PG, and it opens today in theaters all over the bay area.