Madison

2005

Madison

Critics Consensus

A pedictable and heavy-handed sports drama.

28%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 32

49%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,455
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Movie Info

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.

Cast

Jim Caviezel
as Jim McCormick
Bruce Dern
as Harry Volpi
Mary McCormack
as Bonnie McCormick
Jake Lloyd
as Mike McCormick
Paul Dooley
as Mayor Don Vaughn
Brent Briscoe
as Tony Steinhardt
Mark Fauser
as Travis
Reed Diamond
as Skip Naughton
Frank Knapp Jr
as Bobby Humphrey
Chelcie Ross
as Roger Epperson
Byrne Piven
as George Wallin
William Shockley
as Rick Winston
Matt Letscher
as Owen
Richard Lee Jackson
as Buddy Johnson
Kristina Anapau
as Tami Johnson
Vincent Ventresca
as Walker Greif
Cody McMains
as Bobby Epperson
James Andelin
as Merle
John M. Watson Sr.
as Walter
Jim Andelin
as Merle
Carl Amari
as Jake Merrill
Len Foley
as Bill Kittle
Jane Galloway Heitz
as Audrey
Dean Biasucci
as ABC Reporter
John Mellencamp
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Critic Reviews for Madison

All Critics (32) | Top Critics (16) | Fresh (9) | Rotten (23)

  • You've seen a movie that has the exact same scene after scene and the sport's just been different.

    Apr 25, 2005

    Richard Roeper

    Ebert & Roeper
    Top Critic

  • 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.

    Apr 22, 2005

    Tom Keogh

    Seattle Times
    Top Critic

  • A stubbornly up-with-people schmaltzfest, it's the kind of corn that gives angst a good name.

    Apr 22, 2005 | Rating: 1.5/4

    Stephen Whitty

    Newark Star-Ledger
    Top Critic

  • 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.

    Apr 22, 2005 | Rating: 1.5/4

    Kyle Smith

    New York Post
    Top Critic

  • There isn't a scene, an action or a character that rings true, yet the narrative summary of the events that inspired it is a matter of record.

    Apr 22, 2005 | Rating: 1/4

    Jack Mathews

    New York Daily News
    Top Critic

  • What is it about Indiana that inspires movies about small-town dreamers who come from behind to win?

    Apr 21, 2005 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Roger Ebert

    Chicago Sun-Times
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (32)

Audience Reviews for Madison

  • Apr 27, 2007
    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.
    Tim S Super Reviewer
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