Extreme Measures - 5 stars out of 10

Extreme Measures - 5 stars out of 10

"Extreme Measures" was interesting but far from what I expected.  The characteristic that works in this film's favor is its mystery.  I cannot imagine any person watching the first sequence without really wanting to know what is wrong with the two guys.  The film builds to its mid-point where the script reveals a well-designed reason for the paralysis/unintelligence.  Unfortunately, this film is rather flat outside of its mystery.  Gene Hackman's acting is always top notch (and this performance is no exception), but Hugh Grant does not do well in this dramatic role.  I couldn't have cared less about Sarah Jessica Parker's character and even Bill Nunn wasn't in his best form (and I love him in EVERYTHING!)  In addition to better acting, this film could have used a healthy dose of realism.  I found the entire thing to be so farfetched that I wished that they would've resolved the mystery, explained the motivations for these experiments, and avoided ransacked apartments and underground slums.  "Extreme Measures" is worth a watch if there isn't anything better on, but there are many dramas and thrillers that need to appear on your list before this one.