Last week I had the opportunity to attend a media screening of the latest Disney movie which starts showing in theatres tomorrow, February 29th. Based on the 1987 true story, “McFarland, USA” follows high school runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school.
About McFarland USA
Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ amazing running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.
Disney’s “McFarland, USA” stars Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Michael Aguero, Sergio Avelar, Hector Duran, Rafael Martinez, Johnny Ortiz, Carlos Pratts, Ramiro Rodriguez, Danny Mora, Valente Rodriguez, Vanessa Martinez, Chris Ellis and Diana Maria Riva.
Learn more about the movie at http://movies.disney.com/mcfarland-usa and like it on Facebook. You can also follow Disney Movies on Twitter.
My Thoughts on McFarland USA
I wasn’t expecting much because there hasn’t been a lot of buzz about this movie. Once the film started I was quickly entranced in the story. McFarland USA did a great job of bringing us back to the 1980’s and depicting the economic status and culture of McFarland at that time.
As the story unfolded I was rooting for the boys of the town. Not because it’s great to win but so they would believe they had more opportunity and would dream bigger. It was also good to see Coach White’s journey as he realized there was more to the town than what he saw on the surface.
If this wasn’t a true story it would be too awesome to believe. I especially liked learning about what the team members are doing today and how the McFarland High School track team performed in later years.
It’s a great movie for everyone in the family except small children. Not because there’s anything objectionable but rather due to a lot of dialogue.No one is going to win acting awards for the movie but it is full of solid performances. I recommend planning on seeing this inspirational movie, McFarland USA, this weekend!
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