M.A.D.D.: Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (1983 TV Movie) User Reviews

Still Affective

[jasonpaulcollum · 9/10 · 14 July 2005]

I saw this TV movie when I was very young and it left a lasting impression on me. I remember the moment when a young girl is struck by a drunk driver as extremely graphic. In re-watching it recently, it's proof the mind is capable of creating its own scenarios. While it's not nearly as gory as I recall, it indeed still remains powerful, especially when the girl's mother (Mariette Hartley) learns of her daughters death. A convincing portrait of the pain a family endures following the violent death of a loved one. A film which should still be viewed by children and soon-to-be drivers of the horrible consequences which could result from such a careless act.

Well Worth Watching

[valbutler-52042 · 10/10 · 21 February 2023]

I felt that Mariette Hartley and Paula Prentice both gave excellent performances in this movie about Candy Litner's struggle to make sure that her daughter Cari's life counted. Hartley does a great job of showing the depth of Litner's grief and her perserverance in trying to get legislators to understand her loss. The film powerfully portrays the difficulty Litner faced to ensure that this did not happen to anyone elses child. The film does a great job in showing how hard it its not to fall into the pitfall of drowning your grief in booze. Hartley also did a great job showing how Litner almost destroyed her relationship with her surviving daughter in her crusade to avenge Cari's death. The story should be told as an example of the power of citizens to make changes that can impact our country in positive ways. MADD has saved thousands of lives. We owe Litner a great debt.