The Marksmen

This movis is in the tradition of 'Rocky' and 'The Karate Kid.' It tells the story of Tommy Madden (JAY SCHILLINGER), a small town hero forced home upon the death of his mother to face a past he'd rather forget.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of scenic Wisconsin, THE MARKSMEN is a universal story about returning to our roots. After a four year absence, Tommy faces a grieving father, Hank (STEVE KANALY), an unscrupulous coach, Sam Weber (MARTIN KOVE) and his former high school sweetheart, Allison (MARTHA BYRNE).

Can Tommy rebuild his relationship with his father? Can he face his old girlfriend and explain why he left without a phone call or a letter? Finally, can he raise his arms once again in triumph against a foe who knows the deep secret that pulled him away from all he ever truly loved? Can he and all these people finally hit "the mark"?

It's only by facing his fears and trusting those he cares about that Tommy soon realizes there really may be no place like home. I give the filmmakers a lot of credit here because this part was very effective.

You see, running away is always easy. And, it's worked for Tommy in the past. When he stands on the field of life amongst his peers and the group of men who trust him, can Tommy make the right decision or will he flee into obscurity? Beautifully photographed with a soundtrack you won't forget, THE MARKSMEN is a must see!

The movie was big here in Central Wisconsin because the extras were people from around here. Even some of the actors and actresses were from around here. It was especially big in my church, because Jay Schillinger goes there. It was fun to see him at church after the movie came out. And it was fun to tease my pastor because he played the pastor in the movie. The movie itself is ok. You have some actors that are beginners, you can tell that, but the story is cool. The way they say "Wausau" is not right. Wausau is a hard word to say, but it's not with a "saw" and the end, it's more of a "suh". Tommy's facial expressions are not that good....especially when he's angry, but he's hott! I was kind of laughing during the movie because the actors aren't that good, but the dialouge and scenery changes make it better. The scenery changes are totally not right. You go from Wausau to Rothschild, to Mosinee, which are farther apart than they make it look. Overall, I'd give the movie a 6.5

I recently acquired a copy of this film and really struggled to make it though. The relationships between the characters were weak. The reason for Tommy not returning home and how this affected the other characters was not well supported within the story line. Acting was sub-par in general. The story line was predictable. Then there were the added scene's that didn't really add value. Case in point, the woman dancing in a bikini in a bar to cheer up Tommy was strange and didn't add anything to the story line except there is a half-naked woman.

For most of these actors (and non actors) first film it was wonderfully done. Jay Schillinger did a great job with this movie! This movie didn't get the attention it deserved. It as a great plot line and shows off life in a small town in Wausau quite well, with most of the actors in the movie being from Wausau.

I would of never heard of this movie if it wasn't for buying a 1967 Plymouth Belevedere II a couple years ago. To my surprise, when opening the truck, it was signed by Jay Schillinger (Tommy Madden) and it said "The Marksmen". So I went online and checked it out. Mr. Schillinger produced and wrote this movie called The Marksmen. I found the movie, bought it, and watched it as soon as I got it. The movie ended up being really good with a great story line. I assumed from the signatures that my car was in the movie, but it wasn't. I am still very interested in the history of this car and why Mr. Schillinger signed it. To my knowledge this movie was previously named Sliding Home.

If anyone knows more info about this car, please email me at (thestacys712@gmail.com) 07/03/05