Award-winning child entertainment critic Perry Chen interviewed John Crowley, inspiration for major motion picture “Extraordinary Measures” at TiE event July 29, 2010

Published on: 30th July, 2010

On July 29, 2010, 10-year-old award-winning film & entertainment critic Perry Chen interviewed John Crowley, whose real-life story inspired a major motion picture “Extraordinary Measures,” starring Brendon Fraser (who played John Crowley) and Harrison Ford, produced by CBS Films.  Crowley was invited to speak in San Diego, organized by the San Diego TiE group.

Perry asked Crowley if the movie was accurate.  “It captured the spirit and emotions of our time,” said Crowley, ” I would say it got 80% of the facts right, which is really good.”

“What have you learned from your experience?” asked Perry.  “We learned a lot about each other,” said Crowley, “It was a race against time.  It evolved from a fast sprint to a marathon now.  I learned that a lot of times, you have to rely on others for help.”

“Do you believe in God?” asked Perry. “Yes, I do, very much. I hope He believes in me.  That’s more important!” Remarked Crowley.

“What’s the most important disease to cure?” asked Perry. “I don’t think there is one disease that is most important,” said Crowley, ” A lot of doctors are working on curing many diseases.  The neat thing is sometimes a cure for one disease may help doctors treat other diseases.  When I was a young boy 30-40 years ago, leukemia, a blood cancer, killed about 90% of people who had it.  Now 90% of those who have it would LIVE. That’s pretty good.”

After learning Crowley’s children Megan and Patrick loves to read, Perry gave Crowley a gift, the book “How to Train Your Dragon” which he received from his press junket interviews with directors and stars of the DreamWorks animation based on this book.  Perry also gave Crowley a copy of his published Dragon movie review.  Crowley was delighted, “I’m going to share these with Megan and Patrick, thank you Perry for the 4.5 starfish rating on Extraordinary Measures.”

Here is an except of Perry’s review:

Movie Review – Extraordinary Measures

(4.5 out of 5 starfish)

by Perry S. Chen

What if your children have a deadly disorder without any effective treatment?  What extraordinary measures are you willing to take to save their lives?

The debut movie from CBS Films based on a true story called “Extraordinary Measures” tell about John Crowley, a pharmaceutical executive who is desperate to save the lives of his two young children who suffer from a deadly and rare genetic disease called “Pompe disease.”  Young patients with Pompe lack an enzyme that breaks down sugars, causing organ enlargement and eventual death usually by age 9.

The father Crowley traveled far to meet a brilliant researcher Dr. Stonehill who was closeset to finding a cure for Pompe.  Dr. Stonehill is cranky, explosive, listens to rock music while working in the lab, and loves to cuss.  Crowley believes that the obnoxious Stonehill is his only hope to save his kids.  Crowley set up a new biotech company with Stonehill, but must make his own miracle while navigating through complicated relationships with Stonehill, the investors, and other corporate types.

I give the movie 4.5 starfish.  It has a compelling, emotional, and inspiring story.  The key actors’ performances are realistic and thoroughly engaging.  The movie made me truly care for the characters and their fate.  The many twists and turns almost turn the film into a thriller… (Read full review below)

http://www.perryspreviews.com/?p=761

Event details:

Time & venue: July 29, 6-9 pm

La Jolla Woman’s Club

715 Silverado Street

La Jolla , CA -92037

Title: Chasing Miracles: An Entrepreneur’s Journey to Save His Children

Organizer: San Diego TiE (www.sandiego.tie.org)

Speaker: John Crowley, Chairman and CEO of Amicus Therapeutics

Registration & background:

http://sandiego.tie.org/TGS/EM/viewevent/viewEventPT?id_event=4708&from_where=chapter_homepage

In 1998, two of the Crowley’s children were diagnosed with Pompe disease, a rare and often fatal neuromuscular disorder with no treatment. Seeking a treatment, he raised venture funding to start a biotech company, later sold it to Genzyme for $137.5 million ‐‐ one of the richest deals ever for a biotech drug untested in humans.  His children were ultimately saved by the new drug, after Crowley battled with many obstacles along the way.

Come hear the rest of John’s incredible story of love, entrepreneurialism, and battling bureaucracy.

Additionally, you can learn more about the Crowley family on their web site:

http://www.crowleyfamily5.com/about.htm

—————–

Perry S. Chen is a 10-year-old award-winning film critic & artist, TV/radio personality, Annie Awards for Animation presenter, filmmaker and animator.  He is an entertainment critic for the San Diego Entertainer Magazine and is represented by Rebel Entertainment Partners, a talent agency in Hollywood.

Perry started writing movie reviews using his unique kids-friendly starfish rating system on his website (www.perryspreviews.com ) as an 8-year-old third grader at San Diego’s Torrey Hills Elementary School from the Del Mar Union School District.

Perry became a national sensation when he debuted on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric in May 2009 as the youngest film critic in the country.  He was featured on National Public Radio (NPR) with host Liane Hansen in March 2010, and has reviewed over 30 movies and DVDs on a multi-media platform: TV, radio, print, and web.  He is the youngest member of the Asian American Journalist Association, the San Diego Press Club, the youngest blogger on Animation World Network, and the youngest honoree of Cox Communication Channel 4’s annul Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Perry reviews films on a starfish rating system, 5 being the best.  His reviews are available on his website: www.perryspreviews.com.

Watch his videos on www.youtube.com/perryspreviews

Listen to his radio show on www.wsRadio.com/perry

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