McFarland USA Movie Review

McFarland, USA is a story about hopes, fears, dreams, and overcoming obstacles.  It also has Kevin Costner in his best performance in years!

McFarland USA movie poster

Official Synopsis: Based on 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.

McFARLAND

CAST:

Kevin Costner…….Jim White
Ramiro Rodriguez…….Danny Diaz
Carlos Pratts…….Thomas Valles
Johnny Ortiz…….Jose Cardenas
Rafael Martinez…….David Diaz
Hector Duran…….Johnny Sameniego
Sergio Avelar…….Victor Puentes
Michael Aguero…….Damacio Diaz
Diana Maria Riva…….Señora Diaz
Omar Leyva……..Señor Diaz
Valente Rodriguez…….Principal Camillo
Danny Mora…….Sammy Rosaldo
Maria Bello…….Cheryl White
Morgan Saylor…….Julie White
Elsie Fisher…….Jamie White

McFARLAND

McFarland, USA is like Stand & Deliver meets Chariots of Fire!  It made me laugh, it made me cry, it was a beautiful story and Kevin Costner was amazing in his role as Jim White.  McFarland, USA is a feel-good, family film from Disney and is based on the true story of the small town high school track team in California.

I took my 10 year daughter with me to the media screening and she absolutely loved this movie.  I wasn’t sure what she would think about it, but she can’t stop talking about it.

McFarland, USA is rated PG and is in theaters beginning 2/20/15!
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Disclaimer: I was invited to attend the media movie screening.