Blatant jingoism aside, it's an effective crowd-pleaser

Rating: 7/10 (15 June 2004)

This film succeeds solely because of a sensationally good turn by Kurt Russell as Herb Brooks. It's easily Russell's best performance. He so thoroughly embodies Brooks' persona that it's easy to forget we're watching an actor.
There's also wonderful supporting by from Patricia Clarkson as Herb's wife, Patty. Russell and Clarkson have tremendous chemistry together and create an utterly believable relationship on screen. And Noah Emmerich turns in a nicely understated performance as Craig Patrick.
The film doesn't delve too much into the players themselves. Which is a pity, because they come off an interchangeable. But, then again, the filmmakers and Disney weren't going for a piercing study, they were aiming for a crowd-pleaser.
Of course, since the game with the Soviets was "more than just a game," the film ratchets up the jingoism to give us an idea of what those 20 young men were playing for. So we're treated to the customary cornball moments - the flag-waving, the repeated chants of "USA!" and the exhausted player who, during a grueling workout session after a game in Norway, yells out with nationalistic pride.
The film's about 20 minutes too long, but the excitement builds well in the third act. The "Miracle on Ice" game takes 21 minutes and they're exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping moments. Although we know the ending, it's impossible not to get drawn into the game, thanks to some terrific editing. When I saw this film in a theatre, many patrons literally were on the edge of their seats, biting their fingernails and, then, cheering when Al Michaels exclaimed, "Do you believe in miracles?"
"Miracle" is one of those films that aims to make you feel good about yourself, fellow man and the country. If that's the kind of entertainment you're looking for, then this film definitely is for you. It doesn't challenge the viewer in any way, shape or form. But, dammit, the film is entertaining for the most part.
Unfortunately, now that professional players have bastardized the Olympics - is it really exciting to watch the Jaromir Jagrs, Mario Lemieuxes, Kobe Bryants, Michael Jordans and Jennifer Capriatis in the Olympics? - we know we'll never experience another moment like this again.
As Russell's voice-over at the end aptly points out, "Now that we have Dream Teams, we seldom get to dream anymore." And that's a real shame.