Extreme Measures (1996)

Great

I just saw this film today 11 years after it's release and loved it. The acting, pacing, and writing are excellent. The film does follow a formula we have all seen but in this case I applaud the use of a formula in order to keep the plot moving and the focus on the ultimate question-What is the value of human life? This movie is entertaining and smart. June 23, 2007

Excellent

Not a Hugh Grant fan, but this movie was terrific. A real, authentic thriller. Gene Hackman was great as the villain, as usual. While posing a medical ethical conundrum (how do you find cures for diseases without experimenting on humans?), this movie has edge-of-the-seat excitement and was fast paced.

I have to admit that I figured out the plot from the first scene, but went along for the ride and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm surprised that only 15 others have reviewed this great film. Watch it - you won't be disappointed. July 20, 2006

A missed opportunity.

The premise of this film is both excellent, interesting and credible. It had the ability to be "Coma" for the 90's, and aswell as raising the issue of the vulnerability of the patient role it highlights the occasional corrupt, explotative nature of the Medical profession. All very real fears, all quiet likely and delivered with believable conviction by a sterling cast. Grant is not always quite believable but this may have more to do with his established typecast as the eternal British fop and speaking as an Englishman I have to say both he and then Girlfiend Hurley (who produced this film) do overplay the Englishness with grating regularity! Hackman is brilliantly menacing, Parker is subdued and intelligently simmering.
The film gathers a sleuth like pace, like the very best of tense thrillers and then it sells out near the end and ruins the enitire work, divorcing itself from reality for the sake of cheap thrills. A terrible shame! June 21, 2005

GENE PLAYS GOD

EXTREME MEASURES asks the question just how far will medicine go in the name of "good for the common man." In this adaptation of Michael Palmer's novel, Hugh Grant plays a morally consciable physician who finds himself involved in a plot by a famed neurologist (Gene Hackman) to discover a cure for paralysis and other neurological disorders. Surrounded by prospective recipients of his research, he goes to the homeless population to use as disposable guinea pigs in his quest. Director Michael Apted (Coal Miner's Daughter) has a strong command of the actors and the action, and it's a thought provoking entertaining thriller, with a surprise punch at the end.
Grant is exceptional in an out of character role as the heroic doctor; Hackman as always brings a certain sense of logical actions in his otherwise despicable role; Sarah Jessica Parker fills the standard role of the potential ally and love interest, and David Morse is good as the "FBi" agent who wants to find a cure for his near comatose wife.
EXTREME MEASURES makes you think and although sometimes it suspends belief, it's a potent effort. April 15, 2005

A movie worth watching!

Extreme Measures does an EXCELLENT job of shedding light on the sensitive issue of how far is far enough in relation to scientific advancement and experimentation.
It deals with concepts such as where does one set the boundaries in regards to Medicine and Science, as well as touching on the topics of Morality, Change and Progress, and questions like do the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or should it be the other way around? Most importantly, it brings attention to and succeeds in making people aware of the existence of such dilemmas, which have been characteristic of mankind throughout history.
Hugh Grant does a great job in his dramatic role as Dr Guy Luthan, as does Gene Hackman as Dr Lawrence Myrick. It is an amazing thriller with familiar elements from the X-Files. The plot, the setting, and the dialogues are all very good!
Extreme Measures is a very good movie, guaranteed to provide an evening's entertainment. In addition, it is one of those films that gets you and keeps you thinking long after it's over.
Overall, it is a movie definitely worth watching!
February 15, 2005

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