Lisa
Once the largest river port of the Midwest, Madison, Indiana is just one more dying river town in the 1970s. Its last piece of pride is the town's run down hydroplane boat, the only game in town. The boat runs on a shoestring crew: a gas station attendant, a laid-off river hand, a "retard", and a washed-up, has-been hydroplane driver, Jim McCormick (Jim Caviezel).This is the story of how one man turns a town around, rallying them together to give their boat one last try.The story centers on the relationship between Jim McCormick, his wife, bonnie, and his son, Mike. Jim McCormick, the Madison boat's team captain, has disavowed racing after sustaining injuries after a racing accident that claimed the life of a friend and fellow racer. Torn between his love for his family and the love for his town and its oat, he struggles to find his own peace and his dignity.
mdierkes
...even as I hoped for better. With Madison as my hometown, and indeed being a spectator at the very race featured in the movie, I was greatly anticipating the release of this eponymous movie. My rating of 6.0 comes with the effort of trying to divorce my evaluation from such personal facts. Much of the acting was wooden (especially between the McCormicks), and there were too many inexplicable occurrences. As one example, Jim McCormick's son doesn't seem to be much bothered by having his mother leaving his dad for her mother's house. My rating also allows for the needed artistic license that was taken. For instance, the replacement Allison engine was not "borrowed" as depicted in the movie. And Chicago was not a stop on the hydroplane circuit, and most certainly would not have been the scene of the APBA gathering. While a personal matter, the sound track (ie, the pop/rock songs popular at the time) didn't add a usual complementary element. Conversely, the production values were very good, and the racing scenes were realistic. I got a bit confused on the boats depicted in the movie, and can only figure they were using what was available at the time of shooting the movie. But Atlas Van Lines and Budweiser were certainly top boats at the time (along with the absent Miss Exide). The Budweiser folks were portrayed as arrogant, but I suppose a villain was needed. Separately, at some point they should have said how fast these boats go. The portrait of Madison was fair, but underplayed its historic significance and physical beauty. As a gauge, my evaluation of the other Hoosier-themed sports movies depicting great odds being overcome has Hoosiers at a "10" and Breaking Away an "8". And finally, if you want to see the movie, the ten people in attendance yesterday indicates you'd better do it soon!
tiptonlisa
"Madison" is wholesome, family entertainment. It's an all American movie. Jim Caviezel does a great job portraying Jim McCormick as determined and dedicated, but always a gentleman. Jake Lloyd (Mike McCormick) watches everything his Dad does, and Dad uses that as opportunities to teach his son. Every little boy would like to have this type of relationship with his Dad.The townspeople get behind the boat and work hard to "make it happen". This movie reminds us all of a time when life was a little slower and a little simpler. The daily challenges of everyday life are played out well. Take your kid's, make it a family night out. Don't miss this movie, you'll cheer at the end.
notafinga
Best movie at Sundance Film Festival. More than the classic small town underdogs overcome overwhelming odds - the wonderful story and character's emotions pour out of the script, editing, filming, sound, etc. TOP NOTCH!!!! Must see. Great ready to feel the frustrations, tears, and cheers!! GO SEE MADISON!!Plus if your a Breaking Away fan, you got to see Paul Dooley. Who better to play the mayor of Madison, Indiana!
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