Is Mad City Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Mad City is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 114 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Mad City Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1997, Mad City emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A misguided museum guard who loses his job and then tries to get it back at gunpoint is thrown into the fierce world of ratings-driven TV gone mad. Unlike standard genre fare, Mad City attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Mad City features a noteworthy lineup led by John Travolta . Supported by the likes of Dustin Hoffman and Mia Kirshner , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Mad City (1997) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Mad City Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Mad City is a Thriller, Drama film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Mad City Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Mad City concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Mad City reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Mad City?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Mad City Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $50.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $10.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Mad City Budget
The estimated production budget for Mad City is $50.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Mad City
- John Travolta – Sam Baily
- Dustin Hoffman – Max Brackett
- Mia Kirshner – Laurie Callahan
- Alan Alda – Kevin Hollander
- Robert Prosky – Lou Potts
Top Highlights
John TravoltaSam Baily
Dustin HoffmanMax Brackett
Mia KirshnerLaurie Callahan
Alan AldaKevin Hollander
Robert ProskyLou Potts
Blythe DannerMrs. Banks
William AthertonDohlen
Ted LevineLemke
Milton Davis Jr.The Kids
Bill NunnCliff Williams
Where to Watch Mad City Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Mad City is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Mad City stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mad City movie hit or flop?
Mad City has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Mad City worth watching?
Mad City is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Mad City online?
Mad City may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
