Predrag
This is undoubtedly interesting to anyone involved with sailing, however I wonder if it tells the real story. It is rather unbelievable that the US and Australian teams made such gross mistakes such as hitting a buoy or tearing each other spinnaker. It would be curious to know if these "details" have been added for sake of suspense and movie making. In addition, I find excessive the emphasis given to the American proud ("we are the best in the world and can overcome anything"). Humbleness does not seem to belong to the American team dictionary. Perhaps is this how one should be to win the America's Cup?Despite its cheesy, Hollywood take on the America's Cup and its retelling of Dennis Conner's adventures 'on-the-other-side-of-the-pizza' this movie is not only beautiful eye-candy but more importantly it is exactly what they say in the movie: it's good, clean fun. If you're trying to get friends and family interested in taking a sail, this is one of the best tools to get the blood following yup, there are a lot of yachts, but there is the scene with the 14s. Enough excitement to dispel the idea of sailing as a laid-back sport. For the AC die-hards, its a chance to see the 12-meters in action once again, to hear the legendary PJ Montgomery comment on the races and read the tech/advisory credits which reads like an AC who's who list. So it isn't "real" or even possible (the 'whumper' is what kills it for some) but after all, you're looking at a movie. Enjoy it for what it is and appreciate the fact that this movie is the product of a love of sailing!Overall rating: 7 out of 10.
jerelull
As a long-time sailor and racer, I admit that most consider a sailboat race like watching the grass grow, but they've done a great job of producing exciting racing scenes, while having so few technical inaccuracies that the most avid of us keep rewinding to review and debate. Take good note of the early dinghy racing scenes. I don't believe they used any trick photography: things really can happen that fast.Of course, there's a larger set of stories, the classic love stories: between men and women, of sailing, of ideas, of ideals; the rough retelling of the Dennis Connor story (though I place Robertson/Weld as Connor, not Modine/Parker); an accurate representation of the "Old Boys'" network that *is* big-money yacht racing --I've met "Abigail Weld" many times; and the "absurdity" of a desert-based effort winning the Cup, a nod to the Melges' campaign.The photography is astounding, the character development (the reason for the film's length) good, and the music complimented everything admirably.That it's "about" sailing will turn many off, but those of us with a love of the sea and sailing hold this as a classic to be cherished.
deancapetanelis
How can you make a great movie about sailing and then shoot half of the film in the desert? The short answer is you can't. If you love sailing and love watching sailboats this movie offers you all the sights and sounds of racing however marred by the occasional bit of inane prattling dialog. If you prefer your movies to not have a patronizing plot you've come to the wrong place. Maybe I just hate when Hollywood gets their hands on an action film but has to add in backstory that includes a bad love story. Thinking they need a love story to get the female audience to see it. It's a formula that seems to suck all the life out of the script and distill it down to pretty photography and vapid characters. Mathew Modine turns in a decent performance despite the garbage they have him saying. Jennifer Grey on the other hand plays it like she's still Baby stuck in that corner. She really should have approached her character as if she was playing Ferris Beullers sister. Clift Robertson turns in a performance so dull and un-inspiring one would hope the Academy would take back that Oscar for "Charly" as a warning for future actors to not phone it in. My advice is to watch it for the sailing with one finger on the FF button for every other scene.
grizzybj
I highly recommend this movie. It is a love story that brings in action and is very inspiring. Both Matthew Modine and Jennifer Grey are believable in their parts, and you want them to succeed together. I rent this movie every year, and I enjoy it each time I see it.
AD
