Desperate Measures is a 1998 American action thriller film directed by Barbet Schroeder, featuring a notable cast that includes Michael Keaton, Andy García, Marcia Gay Harden, and Brian Cox.
The plot centers around Frank Conner, a San Francisco police officer who is desperately searching for a bone marrow donor for his son, Matt, who is suffering from leukemia. The only possible match is a convicted killer named Peter McCabe, who is incarcerated and has his own agenda during the process.
The film was released on January 30, 1998, with a running time of 100 minutes. It had a budget of $50 million but only grossed approximately $13.8 million at the box office. Despite its financial struggles, Desperate Measures garnered a B− CinemaScore from audiences, indicating a somewhat more favorable reception among general viewers compared to the critical response.
Critics largely panned the film, describing it as a formulaic thriller that fails to engage its audience. Many noted the clichéd action sequences and the predictable plot, which detracted from the overall experience. However, some reviews highlighted the performances, particularly Michael Keaton's portrayal of the complex antagonist, as a redeeming quality amidst the film's shortcomings.
In terms of recognition, Andy García won an ALMA Award for "Outstanding Actor in a Feature Film in a Crossover Role" for his performance. Although Desperate Measures struggled to make a significant impact at the box office and received mixed reviews, it remains a notable entry in the action thriller genre, particularly for fans of its lead actors. The film's themes of desperation and moral ambiguity resonate, even if they are presented within a framework that many found lacking in originality and depth.