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Madison By David DiCerto Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- "Madison" (MGM) is a warm and wonderful underdog drama about a man, his son, a town and the speedboat that binds their lives together. Set in 1971 in the riverfront town of Madison, Ind., the movie tells the inspirational fact-based story of Jim McCormick (Jim Caviezel), a local hero who made his name as a hydroplane boat racer before tragedy intervened. Before the rise of the trucking industry, Madison, a Mayberry-like town on the banks of the Ohio River, had been one of the busiest ports in the nation. But as the waterways were abandoned, its residents were left without jobs or a future. Furthermore, the town's hydroplane racing -- the sport which gave Madison its identity -- fell on equally hard times. It has become increasingly difficult for their community-owned racer -- a little-powerboat-that-could aptly named Miss Madison -- to compete against the faster corporate-sponsored boats, a hard truth summed up by Miss Madison's crew chief (Bruce Dern): "Sometimes a pocket full of money will whup the pants off old-fashioned hard work." To lift the town's spirits and exorcise private ghosts, McCormick proposes they make a bid to host an annual championship cup competition, though they must first come up with the required $50,000 security. Under McCormick's leadership, the townspeople come together to raise the impossible sum by organizing bake sales and Sunday service collections. His dedication to the cause strains his relationship with his wife (Mary McCormack) and young son (Jake Lloyd). Renewed communal pride blossoms, as the townspeople rally around McCormick's "hayseed" crew and pin their collective hopes on the rickety Miss Madison. In the feel-good tradition of "Rocky," "Hoosiers" and "Seabiscuit," "Madison" is a Cinderella story sure to leave audiences cheering. Like those movies, a strong relationship is at its core, in this case between a father and son. The final race sequences could have been more visually or emotionally engaging -- especially given the exciting nature of the sport -- though they are a welcome relief from the sensory overload of most action films. The film's handsome, honey-glazed photography evokes Norman Rockwell. Caviezel exudes a reticent charm and decency reminiscent of Gary Cooper. In addition to fine performances by McCormack and Dern, veteran actor Paul Dooley is solid as Madison's mayor, as is Brent Briscoe as one of the mechanics. Singer John Mellencamp provides narration. There is a scene where McCormick's crew steals a needed engine part from a neighboring town's World War II memorial and a questionable decision by McCormick to endanger his life (which, though not done for selfish reasons, nevertheless seems to overlook his prime responsibilities as a husband and a father). But those are minor quibbles. Director William Bindley's winning movie more than makes up for any sentimental shortcomings with its heartfelt message about family, wholesome values and the importance of community. The film contains some mildly crude language and scenes of sports peril. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. - - - DiCerto is on the staff of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. END Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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