“Miracle,” the story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team’s improbable victory over the Russians, is an enjoyable recount of one of the greatest sports moments in American history.

Director Gavin O’Conner’s film reminds the audience of the turbulent times, such as the controversial Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal and oil shortages, leading up to the ’80 games and what the Olympics meant to a nation in hardship. Indeed, by 1979 all it would take to send the U.S. into greater Cold War malaise would be another loss to the Soviet hockey juggernaut. The film succeeds at creating this sense of longing for victory that drove the players and their coach, Herb Brooks, played by Kurt Russell, to take on what has become a classic tale of David vs. Goliath.

Herb Brooks’ story is one so compelling that it was only a matter of time before Hollywood immortalized it. Russell gives one of his finest performances to date playing the University of Minnesota coach turned American icon. Supported by a bevy of first-time actors, Russell gives us insight into what it was like to create a team of Olympic champions from a group of young collegiate athletes.

The story focuses around this effort. Brooks has seven months to create a team that can compete against the Soviets, an unbeatable force that hasn’t lost the gold medal in hockey since 1960. Forming the team that Brooks needs to win is as formidable a challenge as the Soviets themselves. The 1980 Olympic Games was a pre-“dream team” era. Amateur athletes represented the United States, while NHL status denied Olympic eligibility. Brooks’ recruits were limited to college hockey players, whose egos and rivalries stood in the way of team unity. Brooks’ unique coaching style brings the players together as they are forced to endure agonizing practices epitomized by a scene in which the entire team is forced to do sprints following a disappointing preseason tie game with the Norwegian national team.

Russell’s performance was outstanding and consistent with the character throughout the film. His supporting cast, however, was filled with less-seasoned actors clearly chosen for their ability to skate. On the ice, the young actors representing the U.S. hockey team were a stunning sight. They filled their roles brilliantly, inducing the audience to cheer after blocked shots by the goalie, Jim Craig (Eddie Cahill), or goals scored by Mark Johnson (Eric Peter-Kaiser). The on-ice recreations of the team’s games and practices were enough to turn these movie reviewers into hockey fans. Off the ice, the players’ performances were less inspiring. Dramatic dialogs by Cahill and the other lead actor, Michael Mantenuto, playing Jack O’Callahan, were not dissimilar to the quality of acting one would find in a teen drama on the WB channel. Also, the demonizing representation of the Soviet hockey machine may be a little too black and white. It’s hard to believe that the Soviet coach was that akin to Satan himself. Nonetheless, the early 80s have been recreated in eerie fashion thanks to the hairstyles and plentitude of plaid pants and jackets, making “Miracle” a great era-specific film.

Despite some acting woes, “Miracle” ranks with some of the better sports movies to date. This is no small compliment, as sports-centered films draw from the likes of “Without Limits,” “Hoosiers” and “Chariots of Fire,” to name a few. “Miracle” will certainly become an essential in any DVD collection boasting inspirational victory against all odds films.

“Miracle”

Rated PG for language and some rough sports action

Starring: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich, Sean McCann

Directed by: Gavin O’Connor

Length: Two hours 15 minutes

Now playing at: Cannes Cinema in Seaside

Short take: A winner of a sports movie, “Miracle” tells the true story of Herb Brooks, the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad.

Rating: Three stars (out of four)

Movie trivia: How did the filmmakers get the crowd of Canadian extras to cheer for the American Olympic team?

Answer:To rally the Canadian crowd, First Assistant Director Pete Whyte held up a Canadian flag and skated around the ice of Vancouver’s PNE Agrodome, waving it wildly.