In the tradition of Disney sports movies comes “McFarland, USA” based on a true story of underdogs triumphing over tremendous obstacles. This heartwarming drama follows novice runners who strive to build a cross-country team under Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) in their predominantly Latino high school. Everyone has a lot to learn about each other, but when Coach realizes the boys’ exceptional running ability, things change. Beyond their talent, it’s the power of family, commitment to each other and work ethic that transform them into champions — helping them achieve their own American dream.
McFarland, USA is one of these feel good type of movies where you are rooting for the underdog to win. Though it was over 2 hours long, it didn’t feel that way. I probably could have sat and watched another hour because I was so engrossed in the story. This movie warmed my heart and touched me so much that I even shed a few tears. It’s really good!
The film is based on a true story of coach, Jim White, and the journey of his newly formed running team at McFarland High. Jim was a high school teacher and coach who was fired from his job in Idaho and moved his family to McFarland, CA. McFarland is mostly Latino and is a bit of a culture shock to Jim and his family. It’s also not a well-off community with most of its residents working in the local fruit fields. However, what they lack in money, they make up for in heart.
Jim starts work at McFarland High and forms a cross-country running team after observing some local boys running to and from work and school. He saw they had talent.
He was right. These boys were fast with amazing work ethic. They went to school and worked on their time off in the fields to help put food on the table for their family. They did not have the life of a “typical” teen.
I enjoyed watching them grow together and improve. It was really something to see this small community come together. They were so proud of their boys as they should be!
Kevin Costner was outstanding in his role as Jim White. I’m not surprised though because he’s such a talented actor.
My favourite parts were the race scenes and especially the one towards the end of the movie. It made me want to get out there and run again though I doubt I’d make it very far!
Have you seen McFarland, USA?
This seems like a good movie for our family movie night.
I haven’t seen this movie yet, but looks very good, I like movies that are based on true events, plus it has Kevin Costner in it!!
No, I have not seen MacFarlan U.S.A. yet, it sounds like a great film. I like underdog films with happy endings. I’m looking forward to seeing this one. Thank you for sharing this review.
This is such a great inspiring film; it would be great to own it.
I’m glad this is finally out! My hubby saw this in the movie theater but I haven’t seen it yet. Hubster said is was great and one for the teen to watch too.
There are so many movies like this, but each one is so different and touching. I am glad more true, warm stories are being told. I haven’t seen it yet but will. I think Kevin Costner will do a very good job in this.
I took the boys to see this in the theatre; it was a great, inspirational film. I did mean to pick it up when it was released. Thank you for the review!
I’ve watched this movie when it came out ,I took my parents to see it as well, I’m from a city 30 minutes or so away from McFarland, its also mentioned a couple times in the film, and this was so inspiring to us, my parents worked in the fields growing up and they had to juggle school and work, my mother was shedding a couple tears. Im happy that finally people get to see someone’s story of what they went through around here. Super happy that Disney made it as well. Thanks for the review!