This is the story of one man's efforts to save his children from Pompe disease. Brendan Fraser plays the lead character of John Crowley. Harrison Ford is an irascible genius research scientist Dr. Stonehill that Crowley has to convince to do the research necessary to find a way to cure his children. Pompe disease is when there is a missing enzyme that the body needs to process sugars. Without this enzyme body organs get larger than they should and most children die from the disease before their tenth year. Two of Crowley's children have the disease. There is no treatment or cure yet available.
Click here to see the rest of this review...
Crowley learns that Dr. Stonehill has been doing the research on a treatment for Pompe disease so he goes to see him. Dr. Stonehill tells him in order to do any more research they need at least half a million dollars. Crowley takes it upon himself to raise this money. Crowley tries to get Dr. Stonehill to present his business plan to investors but Dr. Stonehill is not cooperative. The two have a fight about the business deals terms, still Crowley is able to raise more money.
They get started, then later they realize in order to go to the next step they have to sell their company to a competitor. They fight again but they eventually agree to sell. Dr. Stonehill makes everyone angry with him, but he is certain that his research is correct and that he will produce the enzyme. They finally get some of the drug ready for testing but it is going to be used on babies first not young children. Since time is running out for Crowley's children he tries to steal the drug from the lab but gets stopped by Dr. Stonehill. Crowley convinces them to give the drugs to his children with the help of Dr. Stonehill who sets up a special test for the brother and sister. The test is a success and the drug works, saving the lives of the two children.
Best part of story, including ending:
It is interesting that this film is based on a true story.
Best scene in story:
It's a great moment, when the kids are laughing at the end and this is because the enzyme is working allowing their bodies to convert sugar and Dr. Stonehill says "It's a sugar high!"
Opinion about the main character:
The determination of Crowley to go up against the medical establishment, fight with Dr. Stonehill, get all the money, and somehow find a way to get the drug to save his children is amazing.
