Man, I Miss Sports: ‘Miracle’

Sports has been one of the many casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic. While no one would count the loss of sports among the biggest casualties, or the return of sports a top priority, its absence is definitely making the heart grow fonder. Never in my life has there been a period without sports. It’s always been the great escape for whatever is ailing the world, for myself and so many others. Which makes it odder is to not have it when a distraction is needed now more than ever. So, while there are much bigger things in the world than sports, I still have to admit…man, I miss sports. So here at MovieBabble, we are coping with this by revisiting some classic sports movies!

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This time without sports has certainly been strange. We’re looking anywhere and everywhere to satisfy our craving for it. While documentaries, classic games, and celebrity golf face-offs (I watched almost every shot of “The Match”) are bringing some relief, there’s something else that could help. Sports movies are getting some run from the broadcast channels and now seems like the perfect time to revisit some of the best ones. With sports still weeks away at best, I wanted to revisit some of my favorite sports films and scratch this itch by going back to some of the best sports movies out there.

As of this writing, we would be right in the heat of the NHL playoffs, one of the most exhilarating and exciting sporting events to watch. So, the perfect start for this series is Miracle, the 2004 Disney retelling of the “Miracle on Ice” directed by Gavin O’Connor.

General Thoughts

Disney is no stranger to the sports movie genre. From the straight-to-TV classics of my youth, like Motocrossed and Double Teamed, to the star-studded nationwide releases like Remember the Titans and Secretariat, Disney has shown a deft hand at making satisfying films in the genre. It comes from an understanding of people’s connection with movies and sports then marrying them together. It’s a rather simple formula that preys on our love of the underdog. And there is no underdog in American sports history more meaningful than the 1980 US Olympic hockey team. Upsetting the seemingly unbeatable Russian national team in the semifinals is a story made for Disney‘s formula.

Miracle is just a good film, all around. The detail and commitment to honor the true story are evident and well-executed. Innovatively clever cinematography and direction bring the hockey aspect to life in an extraordinary way. You can feel the speed of the game, which helps to create an immersive environment. While the performances aren’t much to write home about, they perfectly serve the story. No one (other than Kurt Russell) really stands out, which keeps the focus on the story. That’s really at the heart of the quality of this film: everything serves the story and does so quite well. It’s because of this, that the emotion lands so beautifully. You feel the moment, you’re on the ice with the team and in the stands with the fans. The tension rattles, and the victory excites you. When Disney is operating at its best, you can feel the moment, and Miracle brings one of the greatest sports moments in history to life in a very effective way.

Background and Stats

• Released on February 6th, 2004
• $64,000,000 worldwide on a $28,000,000 budget
• 68 Metascore/81% Rotten Tomatoes
• No Oscars, Golden Globes, or BAFTAs, but it did receive a Critics Choice nomination for the best live-action family film and an ESPY win for the best sports film
• Rogerebert.com gave it 2 stars (a review by Roger Ebert himself)
• Favorite Review Quote — Kenneth Turan, LA Times: “Powered by an excellent Kurt Russell performance, Miracle treats old-fashioned, emotional material with an intelligence that respects both the story and the audience.”

Let’s Talk about that Cast

Kurt Russell leads a cast full of names that are rather unfamiliar, even 16 years later. This is by design and quite effective. Instead of casting the best actors, Gavin O’Connor, the producers, and casting directors Sarah Finn and Randi Hiller sought out hockey players. Most of the players on the team are actual hockey players and this helps to add authenticity to the on-ice action. This leaves the heavy lifting to Kurt Russell and Noah Emmerich, who both play the coaches of the national team (Herb Brooks and Craig Patrick respectively). Emmerich is solid, but it’s Russell that really shines.

Behind an intense glare for most of the film, Russell delivers a strong performance. He carries the film from a star power aspect, and is simply very good. Patricia Clarkson is the supportive wife character and is given mostly just one scene to stand out, but unfortunately, there just isn’t much more for her to do, which is a shame because she’s a wonderful actress. Overall, this cast works because the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Russell is the star but also blends into the ensemble. This is an ensemble story so it’s only right that the film is the same.

Underrated Element

Cinematography

With the accuracy of the retelling and the execution of this moment, it’s easy to overlook how the hockey itself is shot. Cinematographer Dan Stoloff and Gavin O’Connor do an impressive job shooting the hockey. Using a collection of techniques, which include skaters pushing the camera on a modified sled, a cameraman using a handheld skating through the scene and above the ice wires (similar to what they use in football games now), to bring the hockey to life in a very real way. You won’t see hockey like this, even 16 years later. It’s typically shot from above and outside the rink, for obvious reasons, so this change is a dash of realism that you just can’t experience anywhere else. Being on the ice in this way is immersive and thrilling. It elevates the overall experience of the whole film and makes it more authentic.

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