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Created Apr 23, 2011 01:30PM PST • Edited Apr 23, 2011 01:30PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Very Good 3.5

   Given that it is Stanley Cup season, I thought I’d give Disney’s “The Miracle” a shot. Its been a while since I purposefully sat down to watch a family flick without the kids. As usual, the sports-film formula is predictable, and you even already know the outcome of the famous Russia v US Hockey in the 1980 Olympic games – but this film won’t disappoint you. Its all in the story. The tension and anticipation of watching a young team try to live up to the hopes of their coach who failed in his own attempt at Olympic glory in 1960. And, there’s nothing like an arch rival to ratchet up the tension meter. The glaring stares and muscular discipline of the 13-year-in-a-row victors that was the Russian hockey team was a heck of a lot of intimidation. Never mind that there was a cold-war going on and emotions were running high outside of the hockey rink. Watching coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russel) barrel through with old-school style of teaching new-school techniques was great. If you are a sports/motivational film fan – “The Miracle” is loads of fun.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Kurt Russel and Noah Emmerich hold down the fort in this straight up sports flick. Kurt Russel comes across as a genuinely knowledgeable and wise hard-liner coach Herb Brooks, while Noah Emmerich plays the softer assistant coach Craig Patrick. I also liked Patricia Clarckson as Herb’s understanding wife. As for the players – not that memorable, but all a great bunch and fun to watch.

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

    Sports films are formulaic – but who cares? That’s what you came to see anyway. However, don’t blow it by failing to stir up emotions and raise the tension as the big moments arrive. That would be unforgiveable. Fortunately, “The Miracle” won’t let you down.

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.4

17. Sex Innocent 1.4

18. Violence Gentle 1.4

19. Rudeness Polite 1.4

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0