What it’s about
Vividly recreating a triumphant moment in Olympic history the 1980 USA hockey team’s upset victory over the more seasoned USSR squad, who’d nabbed the Gold Medal in the previous four Games this uplifting film tells of a rag-tag group of talented players who coalesce into an unbeatable skating-and-slapshot machine under the leadership of no-nonsense Midwest coach Herb Brooks (Russell).
Why we love it
Despite our knowing the outcome, “Miracle” keeps us riveted right up to the final buzzer, revisiting a glorious moment in the storied history of the Olympics without resorting to all the familiar underdog-team clichs. Russell, assured in his role as Brooks, is ably supported by Patricia Clarkson, as his wise, supportive wife, Patty; Noah Emmerich as assistant coach Craig Patrick; and Eddie Cahill as team leader and goalie Jim Craig. Full of humanity and fun period detail (just check out Kurt’s haircut and wardrobe!), “Miracle” scores as a first-rate family film.