Based upon a true story, Madison is a father-son drama based on the highly publicized efforts in Madison, IN, during the hydroplane racing season of 1971. Jim McCormick (James Caviezel) has left behind his life of hydroplane boat racing to settle down and start a family and take a job as an air-conditioner repairman. Though he tries to embrace his new life, he still longs for his racing days, and the boat has become the town laughing stock. The town has also experienced harsh financial strain
and the rich corporate sponsors of Jim's competitors have stolen the spotlight again and again. The town of Madison is suddenly asked to host the prestigious Gold Cup championship, and Jim cannot resist, though the town is far less supportive. Jim rallies the community for support in an attempt to bring the pride back to it, though his wife, Bonnie (Mary McCormack), is eager to move to the big city and out of the doldrums of Madison, and his son, Mike (Jake Lloyd), has become disillusioned with the idea of the boat races and watching the larger contenders win every time. But Jim stubbornly presses on and soon is permitted to play again with the big boys. The film also features veteran actors Bruce Dern, Brent Briscoe, and Paul Dooley. ~ Jason Clark, Rovi
Madison brings us the news that miracles really can happen, and an apparent case of divine intervention is the only reason this artifact is being dumped into theaters.
Even though it's based on a true story, writer-director William Bindley and his cowriting brother, Scott, manage to squeeze just about every sports-movie cliché ever invented into this tale.
A touching, spirited family movie that, in the Rocky tradition, is about a sports challenge that represents the hopes and aspirations of characters with little reason to expect success.
I grew up near Madison, Indiana, lived there briefly and spent a lot of time there - so this movie is kind of special to me for those reasons. Other than that it's not really very good.
April 27, 2007
Tim Salmons
Super Reviewer
It tells what is probably the most compelling story the sport has ever produced: how the little river town of Madison, Indiana, came to host the 1971 APBA Gold Cup race and how driver Jim McCormick struggled to lead Madison's community-owned racing boat, the Miss Madison, into the race. But the movie largely focuses
on the relationship between McCormick and his son, Mike (Jake Lloyd), who is about 10 years old. Some of the best scenes involve interaction between the two, who are portrayed as very likable small town people who are close. Mike is usually with his father and also often helps the Miss Madison team with menial tasks. The movie also does a very good job portraying Madison's love for hydroplane racing and working the classic underdog formula. In conclusion, "Madison" is a very entertaining family movie that has something for everyone to enjoy.
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