Miracle

Like all great sports movies, "Miracle" is less a study of a competitive contest than it is a character analysis. Though Disney is continuing a nice run of sports-themed movies for the whole family, (including "Remember the Titans" and "The Rookie") "Miracle" has the potential to be a work of superficial, fluffy jingoism. After all, in the history of the United States there has never been a more worthy achievement by an underdog than what a group of still wet-behind-the-ears hockey players did to the big red Soviet machine during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.

Not unlike the horse Seabiscuit, which inspired a depression-plagued US citizenry, the Olympic team comprised mostly of hotshot rivals from Boston and Minnesota pulled off its upset at a grim time for this country. Oil embargoes, Iranian terrorism, "stagflation" and double-digit interest rates had Americans reeling. The Cold War was heating up as the U.S.S.R. invaded Afghanistan.

But something happened when Herb Brooks was chosen to lead a team of unwieldy pre- Dream Team amateurs against the finest professional hockey players in the world. Brooks (portrayed to uncanny perfection by Kurt Russell) had the audacity to believe the Soviets could be beaten if a team had the right chemistry, was in superior condition, and was too naïve to think otherwise.

"Those are some lofty goals," he was told. To which Brooks responds, "Well, that's why I pursue them." The coach then proceeds to buck protocol and apparent common sense by picking his team quickly, maintaining a mysterious distance from his players, and working them until they puke out their guts on the ice.

Director Gavin O'Connor adroitly weaves Eric Guggenheim's thoughtful screenplay into a story of camaraderie, perseverance and the ability of a coach to motivate and mold his players to levels their talent alone would never have taken them.

Even with its thrillingly real hockey action "Miracle," would be an average movie without Kurt Russell's sturdy, convincing, and eerily nuanced performance. Russell, complete with rigid coif and plaid flares, clearly did his homework in getting to know Brooks, who died last year in a car accident. Russell's talent manifests itself in every frame and lifts "Miracle" to greatness.

There are flaws to be sure. Brooks' wife (Patricia Clarkson) is portrayed as the typically neglected but quietly supportive spouse repeated in movies of this type ad naseum. And while not demonizing the Soviet team, the film really sees the mighty opponent as a faceless (save the stereotypical hedgehog eyebrowed coach) and silent giant.

As previously noted in this column, Kurt Russell is an actor whose amazing consistency has been overlooked in an industry of trendy hyperbole and superstardom shortcuts. Proving more valuable than his megastar contemporaries, Kurt Russell comes full circle with a wondrous performance for the employer (Walt signed him personally) that gave him his first acting job 40 years ago.

It would be lovely to see the award committees remember Russell's performance a year from now. Alas, twelve months in Hollywood is a light year away and only a miracle could bring to pass such a deserving accolade. "Do you believe in miracles?" On ice, Al, yes. But not when it comes to golden statues.

Grade: A- (Rated PG for language and some rough sports action) Agree or disagree? E-mail Bruce at Madaboutmovies2@aol.com

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