Don Aronow's story unveils the life of a man shaped by ambition and tragedy. Born in 1927 to Russian Jewish immigrants in the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, he relocated to New Jersey in 1961 after finding success in the construction industry since 1953. Seeking new horizons, he moved to South Miami in 1959, where he pursued a passionate hobby of racing and designing boats.
As fate would have it, Aronow soon ascended to become a titan in the world of power boats, establishing renowned companies such as Magnum Marine, Cary, Cigarette, Donzi, and Formula speedboats. In 1964, he launched Donzi Marine, securing the brand's reputation internationally, which he swiftly sold to Teleflex Inc. by mid-1965. His entrepreneurial journey continued as he founded Magnum Marine in 1966 and clinched his first World Championship a year later, mastering the seas in his 27' Magnums—a single-engine inboard and a triple-engine Mercury powered outboard.
His outstanding achievements earned him multiple titles, such as the US and World Powerboat Champion, not to mention over 350 offshore race victories. A pivotal figure in the powerboating Hall of Fame, he was among only two Americans, alongside Gar Wood, to receive the prestigious UIM Gold Medal of Honor. The allure of his success attracted the gaze of Presidents, Princes, and the wealthy elite. A businessman with a notorious reputation, he operated under a mantra of "no questions asked," delivering boats whenever the price was right.
However, his extravagant lifestyle not only brought him success but also hinted at darker ties, culminating in his tragic murder in 1987. The film reflects on this tumultuous narrative, opening with Aronow leaving New Jersey, under the shadow of his dealings with Meyer Lansky in the construction sector. By this time, he was already a millionaire, and moving to South Miami seemed prudent to evade potential legal actions, relocating with his wife and three children.
As the plot unfolds, Aronow grapples with his numerous affairs, portraying a flawed husband and father. The devastating catalyst of his oldest son losing the ability to walk following an accident intensifies the disintegration of his marriage. Amid his tumultuous personal life, he finds a romantic interest in a beautiful model connected to a formidable Latin mobster, eventually marrying and having a son with her.
Throughout the film, tensions between him and Meyer Lansky's nephew bubble to the surface, intertwining with his connections to the mob—a thread that weaves through the narrative. Nevertheless, while the story holds the potential for intrigue, it falters in character development. The portrayal of each figure lacks depth and excitement, rendering them somewhat uninspiring.
The director's vision, particularly regarding the depiction of boat racing, misses the mark; the scenes lack the vibrancy and adrenaline expected from such thrilling endeavors. A race in choppy waters is notably undermined by underwhelming special effects, reminiscent of the late 1950s.
In essence, while the storytelling weaves a classic tale of mobster-made greed and demise, it suffers from execution flaws. Had there been a more dynamic direction, richer character arcs, and a more genuine presentation of the exhilarating world of boat racing, this film could have transformed from mediocre to moderate. Jodi Scurfield, lacking prior experience in the industry, may not have been the right choice for steering this project, which ultimately seems unable to garner the attention of a significant audience.
