“Extraordinary Measures” is the first theatrical release from CBS Films. It plays like the first theatrical release from Lifetime TV Films.

Everything about it screams “TV movie.” The cinematography, art direction and editing all seem like they were designed for the small screen. Even the aspect ratio appears as though it were designed for television.

This pedestrian, by-the-numbers drama is extremely well meaning and is loosely based on an inspiring true story. Sadly, the uninspired script and direction undermines the efforts of a capable cast.

Brendan Fraser (“Journey to the Center of the Earth”) stars as John Crowley, an up-and-coming business executive at Bristol-Meyers Squibb. Two of his children suffer from a rare neuromuscular disorder called Pompe’s Disease, so John travels to Lincoln, Nebraska to meet with a research scientist who is working on a cure.

Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford from “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”) is an irascible, antisocial type, but is a brilliant scientist. He complains that isn’t getting the kind of funding from the school that he needs. (Ford’s character is reportedly highly fictionalized.)

John asks how much money Dr. Stonehill needs for his research. When he says, “$500,000,” John springs into action and form a charity to raise the dough.

Soon, John and Dr. Stonehill go into the research business together. Their personalities often clash, but together they make progress. Ultimately, they sell out to a big biochemical firm, make a bundle of dough while continuing their research. (Hey, somebody’s gotta do it.)

But children who suffer with Pompe’s Disease only live to age nine. Will John’s kids survive long enough to see a cure?

Director Tom Vaughn (“What Happens in Vegas”) sets his directorial GPS on the hankie scenes in the script by Robert Nelson Jacobs (“The Waterhorse”) and turns the manipulation knob to ’11.’

The script veers between family drama, an ‘underdog overcoming the odds’ story and an exposé of corporate greed.

But one can’t help but root for the movie even though it’s often ham-fisted, particularly because the cast is so likable.

Keri Russell (“Bedtime Stories”) is very appealing as John’s wife Aileen and the supporting cast includes reliable character actors like Jared Harris (TV’s “Mad Men”), Courtney B. Vance (“The Preacher’s Wife”) and Dee Wallace (“E.T.”).

While the movie has a few affecting moments, it’s poorly paced and doesn’t build to the effective emotional climax that the filmmakers apparently aimed for.

By any measure, “Extraordinary Measures” is ordinary. (PG) Rating: **1/2

* Avoid at all costs
** Only if you're bored
*** Good movie
**** Well worth your time
***** Be sure to see it