Anyone who was old enough to have watched the 1980 Miracle on Ice will never forget it. Yet, the drama "Miracle" manages to create some suspense and tension about the game's outcome.

Not to give too much away for those who aren't old enough to remember — or anyone who is somehow unfamiliar with it — but there's a reason this story is considered perhaps the proudest moment in U.S. hockey history.

The cast members affect accents that are a bit thick, and the period clothing and hairstyles look a little silly, but those are the only, albeit minor, stumbling blocks.

"Miracle" is a stirring sports drama that comes as a nice alternative to the gloomier Oscar-wannabe fare and lame comedies that are currently cluttering multiplexes. It also serves as a fitting tribute to Herb Brooks, the now legendary coach of the 1980 U.S. Men's Hockey Team, who died last year as the film was wrapping up production.

Kurt Russell stars as Brooks, who, at the time, was considered an unlikely choice for the team's coach. In the film, the United States is a heavy underdog, and the U.S. Olympic Committee is desperate to find someone to lead the team into the Winter Games at Lake Placid.

Brooks actually has a strategy to beat the heavily favored Russian team — his own attack style. But his rather unusual coaching manner, and his singular dedication to the job, lead to a series of fights on more than a few fronts — with the USOC and amateur-hockey association officials, on the homefront, and with the team's hockey players.

This isn't exactly a "dream team," but the members do start coming together. And if they can survive Brooks' grueling workouts and training schedule, they just might surprise some people.

While the focus is on Brooks, as the film's central character, director Gavin O'Connor and screenwriter Eric Guggenheim let us get to know the players, as well. And the film's final third is full of memorable, convincing rah-rah moments.

As Brooks, Russell is solid and believable . . . despite his plastic-looking hair. He's also aided by an able supporting cast, which includes the always terrific Patricia Clarkson as his understanding wife, and Noah Emmerich, who is likable as the team's assistant coach. Of the players, Eddie Cahill and Patrick O'Brien Demsey are standouts, as goalie Jim Craig and team captain Mike Eruzione, respectively.

"Miracle" is rated PG for sports-related violence (including some hockey brawling) and scattered use of crude slang terms and profanity. Running time: 135 minutes.

---

E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com