Director: John Pielmeier
Starring: Cuba Gooding Jr., Aunjanue Ellis, Kimberly Elise
Running Time: 90 minutes
Synopsis: In 1987, Dr. Ben Carson (Cuba Gooding Jr.) of Johns Hopkins Hospital travels to Germany to examine new-born twins conjoined at the head. Flashbacks reveal he was raised in Detroit by his illiterate single mother Sonya (Kimberly Elise), who pushed Ben to excel. He overcomes bullying and a short temper, and at Yale University meets Candy (Aunjanue Ellis), who became his wife. As a doctor Ben encounters racism, demonstrates initiative, and tackles difficult cases, including a patient suffering severe brain convulsions. Back in the present, Ben has to devise a method to operate on the twins before it's too late.
What Works Well: This cable television production is a well-intentioned traditional biography. Dr. Carson is portrayed as a likeable and upright physician, and the vignettes from his childhood uncover a mother's determination to help her son overcome adversity and rise above humble beginnings. The societal pitfalls and personality flaws that could have derailed Ben's life are given due prominence, and the conjoined twins story provides a sturdy framing device.
What Does Not Work As Well: This is straightforward, episodic, and old fashioned storytelling, bordering on a reverential hagiography. In the gap between childhood experiences and confident doctor, the passion and talent for medicine are lost. The production values lack artistry and style, remaining well-entrenched within television confines.
Key Quote:
Sonya (to her son Ben): I always said, you can do anything anyone else can do, only you can do it better.
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