The Miss Madison may have seen better days, but she's about to go out in a blaze of glory. The pride of Madison, Indiana, the dilapidated hydroplane's been entered in the 1971 Gold Cup Championship race, whose $50,000 priz... more »e money has been raised by the town itself. Chosen to pilot the craft is Jim McCormick (Jim Caviezel, The Passion of the Christ), a local man who's sacrificed his family's future to enter the race. Supported by an idolizing son (Jake Lloyd, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace), an understanding wife (Mary McCormack, Full Frontal) and a legendary mechanic (Academy Award®-Nominee Bruce Dern, Best Supporting Actor, Coming Home, 1978), Jim takes the Miss Madison on her final voyage, in a race to the finish that will leave you cheering!« less
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 7/27/2024...
Being from Indiana, this one caught my interest as I didn't remember this happening. What a WONDERFUL movie!!! It was loaded with great music from the early 70s and actual footage of old dilapidated hydrophanes. It had a beautiful storyline and was based on actual events. A must see for you and your family.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Hazel S. from CARRIERE, MS Reviewed on 10/26/2010...
Awesome family movie, helps us to see the importance of family. Very good.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Good family movie
Proud Hoosier | Madison, IN | 09/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I first saw this movie it brought back the memories of years ago. I remembered those summer days when we would hear the sound of the piston powered boats on the Ohio River and couldn't wait to get down to the riverfront. It's a great movie for those who enjoy hydroplane racing and a small town atmosphere."
An excellent "feel good" film for the whole family
Lorenzo | 09/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As one who spent many a summer weekend in the town of Madison during the seventies, it's as if this movie were custom made for folks like us, so objectivity is somewhat out the window.
Nonetheless, one need not be a Hoosier to enjoy this movie, based on a true story about a small town team with no budget, professional talent, inventory or modern technology taking on the likes of "Budweiser" and "Atlas Van Lines" and succeeding beyond imagination.
This film won a standing ovation at the Cannes film festival. How often do you see a standing ovation for a film?
John Mellencamp's narration also adds a nice Hoosier touch.
For those who would quibble that the facts aren't 100% straight, the boats are not the correct vintage, etc. it is well to remember that this is a movie based on a true story, whereas the Wide World of Sports account is the better documentary.
"
Good Racing Movie
3 Forever | Charlotte NC | 08/17/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Overall, it was a very good movie. If you're an "old" diehard like me, you will quickly notice that most of the boats used were incorrect (boats that were actually pickle forks, boats long retired before this Gold Cup, etc.) I'm sure there is no big stockpile of vintage boats, and they did the best with what they had, especially the crash scenes using RC hydros. It was somewhat historically accurate probably due to problems portraying the actual drivers, sponsors, etc. However, it was an inspiring movie similar to "Rocky" and is well worth seeing. It was great to hear the old pistons again and brought back great memories. We saw it at the theatres, but I don't believe you will lose much on a home system."
Pro Madison-Madisonian
Wiley Bird | Lake Forest, CA | 09/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard about the movie, "Madison," on the Madison, Indiana website, "[...]," and then I saw the movie in a theatre down the street from my daughter's home in Burbank, California. This movie was made for Madisonians like me, I love movies and I love Madison, Indiana. I grew up there. I attended the Madison High School Class of 1958, 40th Reunion during Labor Day weekend in 1998. The reunion happened to coincide with the Regatta weekend. It was nice to know there was still a Madison Regatta and to hear the thunder boats roar up and down the river. I amazed that everyone I spoke with in Madison seemed so knowledgeable about hydroplane racing. They are not hicks. The harshest critics of the movie live in Madison, Indiana. Madison, Indiana has been the setting for two films in my lifetime, "Some Came Running (1958)", and, "Madison (2000)". That's pretty good for a nowhere town. The old town photographs pretty well. Madison is a good family film about hydroplane racing. The Bindley brothers did a fine job. I bought the DVD and will recommend it to my friends and associates."
Underdog Sports Movie
David John | seattle, WA United States | 09/16/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I saw this film the same day as I saw Sin City- talk about whiplash! Both films are good in thier own ways, and both delight in the cliches of thier respective catagories (underdog sports movie and hard core noir).
Madison was made with alot of love, and it shows, it is a very pretty movie to look at and the final race climax is very well done. All in all it is a pleasent way to spend a couple of hours"