McFarland, USA (6/2/2015)

Rated PG for thematic material, some violence and language.

Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Michael Aguero and Sergio Avelar

Directed by Niki Caro (North Country)

McFarland, USA is the latest Disney sports true story.

Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice 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. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional 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.

The biggest difference between McFarland, USA and Remember the Titans, The Rookie, and Miracle is this one is about cross-country. I generally like these inspirational, “based on a true story” sports movies, but I’m not a fan of the sport of cross-country…and I don’t know many people who are. Sure I have students who run cross-country, but I don’t know a single person who has ever watched a cross-country meet on TV.

Surely Disney knew it was a gamble, but made the movie anyway. And you don’t need a SPOILER ALERT to know that some pretty cool things happened in McFarland, USA.

Kevin Costner once again steps into a lead role, and once again he is solid. The rest of the cast all surround him and do a pretty decent job.

Director Niki Caro keeps things moving and interesting. But more importantly, she helps those of us who aren’t all that familiar with cross-country by explaining the rules of the sport without getting bogged down in the details. For example one big distinction about cross-country is the fact that it’s both an individual sport and a team sport. If you finish first in the meet, you’re the winner! But your team’s ranking depends on the finishes of the top five runners. Which means when the race is over, everyone has to stand around while the judges compile the scores and then announce the winner.

Riveting.

Not really. It’s hardly the heart-pounding excitement of a Hail Mary touchdown pass or a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the ninth, yet McFarland, USA still has plenty of moments where you find yourself rooting hard for these kids.

Oh and yes, McFarland USA has the obligatory addendum where we find out how everything played out for the coach and the key members of that 1987 team. You should stick around for that.

It’s not Miracle or Remember the Titans, but it is still worth the “Rental.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There are one or two mild profanities in the film, but other than that it is fine for teenagers.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How would you describe the White’s move into Central Valley?


2. What were some examples of racial tension in the film?


3. Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation?

Read John 7:24

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.

And 1 John 2:9

Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.


4. How did Coach White show his love for his students?


5. How can you show love to others who are different from you?