2004 02 FEBRUARY 2004 - RAG Magazine

By: Crystal ClarkMIRACLEKurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson & Eddie CahillDirected by: Gavin O’ ConnorWalt Disney Pictures, PG, 135 minFebruary. 1980. Lake Placid, New York. During this noteworthytime and place in American sports history, the USAHockey Team accomplished the most unbelievable,unthinkable, and unparalleled quest, by unifying atop theGold Medalist platform at the 1980 Winter Olympics.But that wasn’t even the best part, or the mostimpressive, or the most inspirational. That distinctioncame the night before, on February 22, when a teamof once-capable athletes, united, and emerged asAmerican heroes. It would be the night that Americansfelt a collective lump in their throats while the restoring elements ofpatriotism pumped through their veins. Team USA faced-off against the mostdominant squad in hockey’s history: The Soviets. The final score of that emotional rollercoaster will forever be embedded in pop culture, as will sportscaster Al Michaels’ enthusiasticexclamation, “Do you believe in miracles?”(c) 2004 Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. All Rights ReservedStill, twenty-four years later, the stunning victory that simultaneously honored athletics, mended a country, and redefined humancharacter has repeatedly been celebrated for being the quintessential sporting moment of the 20 th century. It’s now February again,but the year is 2004 and this time, movie-goers, will ironically find themselves in a similar position as did Team USA in 1980;historically, films that champion the success of real-life adversity, routinely must also shoulder the burden of living up to the “dreamthat came true.” Truth be told, Disney had some profound skates to fill with their massive undertaking of bringing this once-in-alifetimephenomenon to the big screen. Director Gavin O’Connor, screenwriter Eric Guggenheim, and star Kurt Russell wereassembled by Disney for what it hoped would be their own winning team. Well, the game’s over, and it’s truly a remarkable groupof players that somehow managed to create a tribute that stands alongside the actual event it’s paying homage to.The cognizant ticking of Miracle’s clock begins immediately asO’Connor opens the film by unraveling the time capsule offractured international relations in 1979. He wastes no timeestablishing the who, what, and where of the state of theworld, and by doing so, plants you into your seat with suchintensity, the momentum can only build. Moreover, O’Connornever forgets that the nostalgia transpired over two decadesago and he brilliantly juxtaposes actual news footage andrelevant stories to keep the viewer focused. O’Connorcontinues to build on the anticipation of the audience,by taking his time to develop the crucial storyline leading up to theactual games, yet you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seatfrom the moment the theater darkens. Nevertheless, the tangibleeuphoria hardly overshadows the magnificent performance ofKurt Russell as team USA head coach, Herb Brooks. Russell’sBrooks is a primary example of an Oscar-caliber presentationthat will be all-but-forgotten by voters, due to Miracle’s earlyrelease date. O’Connor also earns kudos for getting primoperformances out of cinematic rookies Eddie Cahill, Patrick O’BrienDemsey, Michael Mantenuto, and relative newcomer, Nathan West;all of whom are experienced hockey players (as were all theactors/players cast in the movie).Our screening audience continually rejoiced withelectrifying cheers amidst a constant fervor of applause;and the nail-biting suspense was so exhilarating, socontagious that chills ran up and down my arms and ontothe person sitting next to me. It must be dually noted that Iwasn’t the only one tearing-up way before I was probablysupposed to, and long after the credits rolled. It’s nowbeen three weeks since I experienced the “Miracle On Ice”that I was far-too-young to enjoy in its halcyon, and I stillget choked-up when the movie’s trailer skates across theTV. This is, by far, one of the best rides Disney has evercreated and, you too, will want to experience thispassionate and poignant journey over and over again.44 • RAG MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2004