Avoiding the sport cliches is a challenge and 'Miracle' is up for the challenge

Rating: Null/10 (13 March 2004)

Miracle (2004) Kurt Russell, Eddie Cahill, Michael Mantenuto, Patrick O'Brien Dempsey, Kenneth Mitchell, Nathan West, Noah Emmerich, Patricia Clarkson, D: Gavin O' Connor. Audience-pleasing true story of Herb Brooks (Russell), the hockey coach that overcame impossible odds to rise from underdog to champion. At the Olympic Games in Lake Placid, N.Y., he led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to a big victory over the seemingly unshakable Russians. Working through the definition of a feel-good movie, the film exceeds the sport clichés with resonant values on teamwork, discipline, and motivation, while still working inside the formula even up to the projected game climax. Russell has never been better. Running Time: 135 minutes and rated PG for language and some rough sports action. ***