Back to Fleetwood Flicks!
Movie: Miracle (2004)
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Players: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson
Grade: A-
This is the story of how the USA hockey team beat the unbeatable Soviets during the 1980 Winter Olympics; back in a time when there were no ‘Dream Teams.’ As the movie begins the audience is given a brief history lesson, which is very nostalgic and colorful. The story starts to unfold, and you find yourself becoming more and more empathetic with the characters. Miracle works so well, because you do not have to like hockey to enjoy this movie. The story is structured perfectly within the political and social views of its time.
Russell does an excellent job at portraying the fearless Coach Herb Brooks. The two most vibrant memories I have of Kurt Russell’s acting are from Overboard and Escape From L.A. He is an actor that likes to play around with just about every film genre that’s out there.
The movie has a lot more than just a success story to tell. Today, people deal with the aftermath of September 11, our current situation in Iraq, as well as the constant political propaganda of the upcoming the presidential election. This movie gives you a refreshed way to view the colors red, white, and blue. I know that I definitely felt a surge of pride. All in all, Miracle is a worthy film, even if it is Disney!
Random movie quote: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!” –From Ferris Bueller’s Day Off starring Matthew Broderick
Movie Vault Recommendation: Want to see how political elections can go wrong? Watch The Terminator, and then look up the governor of California
