2008 Woodie Awards
Film Review: Russell makes an on-screen 'Miracle' (Issue 2, Feb. 26)
Jeremy Duvall
Issue date: 5/12/04 Section: A&E
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In an era of eye-boggling special effects and tales of epic adventure and mind altering science fiction, it might take a miracle to find a place in the modern realm of the motion picture for a heart-warming story of the little guy succeeding against all odds.
Well, one has arrived.
"Miracle," the Walt Disney production chronicles the "miracle on ice," the climactic clash between the Soviet Union and the United States when the 1980 USA Olympic hockey team defeated the dreaded Soviet hockey juggernaut in one of the greatest sports upsets of all time.
Kurt Russell plays the role of Herb Brooks, a tyrannical coach whose passion for the game of hockey and his quest for Olympic gold pushes his team to the edge of human endurance. An aging Russell, who is known mostly for the action genre hits of his younger years such as "Big Trouble in Little China" and "Escape from New York," turns in a very convincing acting performance mid-west accent and all.
The cast of young actors who play the members of the U.S. hockey team provide both a compelling theatrical performance and an incredibly convincing demonstration of hockey prowess that give the film a real authentic feel.
The film also adds an in-depth social context about what was happening in the United States during the late 70's early 80's, such as the gas shortage and Iranian hostage crises, really spotlighting just how important an event the victory of the Soviet Union was to the American people.
If the family is out on the town and you're trapped into seeing another bore-me-out-of-my-mind wholesome film, suggest "Miracle." It just might make a believer out of you.
Well, one has arrived.
"Miracle," the Walt Disney production chronicles the "miracle on ice," the climactic clash between the Soviet Union and the United States when the 1980 USA Olympic hockey team defeated the dreaded Soviet hockey juggernaut in one of the greatest sports upsets of all time.
Kurt Russell plays the role of Herb Brooks, a tyrannical coach whose passion for the game of hockey and his quest for Olympic gold pushes his team to the edge of human endurance. An aging Russell, who is known mostly for the action genre hits of his younger years such as "Big Trouble in Little China" and "Escape from New York," turns in a very convincing acting performance mid-west accent and all.
The cast of young actors who play the members of the U.S. hockey team provide both a compelling theatrical performance and an incredibly convincing demonstration of hockey prowess that give the film a real authentic feel.
The film also adds an in-depth social context about what was happening in the United States during the late 70's early 80's, such as the gas shortage and Iranian hostage crises, really spotlighting just how important an event the victory of the Soviet Union was to the American people.
If the family is out on the town and you're trapped into seeing another bore-me-out-of-my-mind wholesome film, suggest "Miracle." It just might make a believer out of you.