Boat U.S. - January 2008 - (Page 20) Most Frightening Marine Weather Forecast The Perfect Storm (2000) Directed by Wolfgang Petersen; Stars George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Diane Lane I have not yet owned a boat equipped with a marine weather fax, but if and when I do, I’ll make darn sure it does not run out of paper. The pivotal scene in which the Gloucester, MA, swordfishing vessel, the Andrea Gail, misses one last chance to avoid its doom is not just high drama of the Hollywood kind. It’s based on a true story, as chronicled in Sebastian Junger’s bestseller, which adds poignancy to this offshore fishing saga. It’s easy to forget when we pop a Gorton’s frozen fish into the microwave that a real offshore fisherman ventured out to catch it. “The Perfect Storm” made TV hit shows like the Discovery Channel’s “The Deadliest Catch” possible as it opened our eyes to everyday people who choose to go out on the most dangerous job in the U.S. Sure, these fishermen ignored some basic warnings but who among us hasn’t? “The Perfect Storm” is as much about weather, and how little we understand its dynamics, as it is about working-class seafront towns all over the U.S. We could nitpick some of the more implausible boating scenes, but the Coast Guard air and sea rescue scenes are as scary as the weather report. “The Perfect Storm” memorialized, as much as a film can, an extraordinary true event and was nominated for two Academy Awards. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Celebrates an Obsession with Speedboats Madison Quick TakeS — More Films of Note Captain Ron Charter Captain with the Most Issues (2005) Directed by William Bindley; Stars Jim Caviezel, Bruce Dern, Mary McCormack, Paul Dooley Okay, this movie is not exactly an awardwinner, except in the hearts of small town people who dream big and happen to adore high-speed race boats. It could have been a Disney release or gone straight to Photo courtesy of The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. video. An unusual little movie, “Madison” is actually based on a true story of one man’s dream to win the 1971 Madison, Indiana, Gold Cup hydroplane regatta. The classic David vs. Goliath story pits the small, failing mill town, and its backyard-built race boat, Miss Madison, against the big-city syndicates, like Miss Budweiser, all but certain to win. True, this film is totally formulaic and every cliché of moviedom comes forth at some point — the stressed out but ultimately supportive wife who wisely chooses not to destroy Dad’s dream, to the cranky Fun small-town mayor (Dooley), and the last-minute Film Web mechanical disasters. But “Madison” shows how a Trail Site er fa s love of boats can bring father and son closer as the n.co IMD m hero, Jim Caviezel, of “The Passion of Christ” fame, B.co Film m refuses to give up. critic Rog Of note, “Madison” was shelved for five years .com erEb before its release and was the last film produced by an er t.c om independent MGM. — By Elaine Dickinson 20 BoatU.S. Magazine January 2008 Nirvana with a Fly Rod A River Runs Through It Worst Houseboat Guest Cape Fear How Not to Render Assistance Message in a Bottle On Golden Pond Wind Antique Chris-Craft Steals the Show Dumbest Usage of a Fake Captain’s Hat Best Signup Tool for the Coast Guard The Guardian Open Water Swept Away Least Enjoyable Dive Trip Wildest Italian Holiday http://www.trailerfan.com http://www.imdb.com http://www.filmcritic.com http://www.rogerebert.com
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