not a single original moment

Rating: Null/10 (30 September 2004)

Those who made 'Miracle' seem to think that none of us have ever seen a movie about a sports team before. Even though it is based on a true story, the film is so derivative and formulaic that you could practically write the screenplay yourself (had scenarist Eric Guggenheim not already done it for you, that is). Despite the best efforts of Kurt Russell in the lead role, there isn't a single original or surprising moment in the entire 134 minutes that the film takes to drag us through its story.
Russell plays Herb Brooks, a hockey coach from Minnesota who fulfills his dream of leading an American team to a gold medal against the Soviets in the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid. Brooks is the ultimate sports film stereotype: a coach driven to extremes to make his team the best that it can be. More drill sergeant than coach, he pushes his players almost to the breaking point, carrying his 'tough love' philosophy nearly to the level of sadism. But, of course, this uncompromising taskmaster is just what this ragtag collection of hockey players needs to achieve cohesion and discipline, break through their underdog status, and pull off a 'miraculous' win on the ice. And this is also what eventually earns him the undying respect and allegiance of his players, fellow coaches and financial backers, all of whom greet Brooks with initial skepticism until they see the miracle he is able to perform.
It's hard to overestimate just how vapid and corny most of 'Miracle' turns out to be. The boys have so little personality that they quickly become both interchangeable as teammates and indistinguishable as individuals. Patricia Clarkson plays the stereotypical loving wife who nevertheless whines and pouts endlessly because her hubby is devoting all his time to the team and none to the family at home. Much of the dialogue is of the rah-rah, pep talk, we-are-family variety, made all the more mawkish by a lugubrious symphonic score droning on incessantly in the background.
The raison d'etre that is supposed to separate 'Miracle' from all those countless films that have come before it is the fact that this team beat the Soviets at a time when not only was the Cold War at its height but the Russians had just invaded Afghanistan, the Iranians were holding American citizens hostage, and American motorists were stuck in long gas lines during the peak of the 'energy crisis.' We even hear a snippet of President Carter's infamous 'malaise' speech to underscore just how badly Americans were feeling about themselves and how much of a moral boost this victory gave to the beleaguered nation. The film, however, despite its good intentions, is simply not rich or resonant enough to sustain this broader theme. Thus, even with all the swelling music and inspirational speeches, 'Miracle' can't overcome the triteness at its core. 'Miracle' is a feel-good movie for the easily impressed.