The true story of how a small town in Central California became a dominant force in cross-country running was told beautifully in Disney’s McFarland, USA. The film features Kevin Costner as coach White, an outsider who comes into a community made mostly of agricultural workers,… Read More »Discussing “McFarland, USA” with Kevin Costner
Disney’s McFarland, USA opened up against stiff competition this weekend. It managed to beat all the new films this weekend, but failed to surpass Spongebob, Kingsman, and Fifty Shades of Grey. It did manage to pull in $11 million for the three day weekend, that… Read More »Disney’s McFarland USA Box Office Results
Walt Disney Studios has carved out something of a niche for themselves with the feel good sports movie. “Miracle,” “The Rookie,” “Secretariat,” and last year’s “Million Dollar Arm” have all done well for the mouse. What’s great about each of these movies is that while the ending might be foreseeable, but they’ve never been formulaic. That’s doubly true with “McFarland, USA.” It’s based on a real story and has a fantastic emotional core.
It’s also a return to the sports genre that has served Kevin Costner so well over the years. In “McFarland, USA” Costner plays a down on his luck high school gym teacher and coach who sees in his students real potential for a winning Cross-Country Team. Of course, a small team from Central Valley of California is a big underdog against the well established schools, but through grit and determination, they manage to win.
But that’s just the barest of plots to hang a film upon. It’s the layer and layer of rich story and character development that make McFarland a great movie.
Director Niki Caro (North country, Whale Rider) makes the most of the Central Valley scenery and uses a gentle hand to get the most from the actors as well. Kevin Costner could practically sleepwalk through a sports move these days, but he doesn’t here. His portrayal of coach White has range and realism. He’s flawed, but can and does, learn.Read More »Disney’s ‘McFarland, USA’ Movie Review
We’re just one day away from the opening of “McFarland, USA” the first film of 2015 to really win your heart. Based on a true story of a Central Valley California town and a coach that sees potential in the legs, hearts and minds of the agricultural workers who are also students at his school.
Disney just shared this extended clip from the film. It comes at a moment when Coach Jim White needs to motivate his team of long distance runners for a big race.
If you aren’t already planning to see it, listen to what others are saying about it online, I think you’ll change your mind.
Disney has also commissioned acclaimed artist Fernando Reza to make a series of posters for McFarland, USA. See the whole collection below:
The real-life story of how Coach Jim White saw the potential for long distance runners in the students of McFarland’s agricultural “picker” community is the fulcrum point of this feel-good movie. It led to many college scholarships and state championships for real life kids, but it never would have happened had the high school’s principal said no. That moment is captured in this ‘clip’ from Disney’s “McFarland, USA.”
The principal is a perfectly cast Valente Rodriguez. Since he’s left off the IMDB credits, I want to make sure he gets his due here.
Disney’s “McFarland, USA” comes to theaters February 20, 2015!
Full plot synopsis below:
I’m excited to share with you more about about Disney’s upcoming feel good sports film “McFarland, USA.” It features Kevin Costner as coach Jim White who uproots his family and moves to a California Central Valley agricultural farm and encounters a Latino culture that is foreign to him, but in which he finds unexpected strength and speed.
The movie is in the vein of great sports films like, Remember the Titans, The Blind Side, and Seabiscuit. It’s also based on a true story. Watch this behind the scenes featurette to learn more:
Disney’s “McFarland, USA” comes to theaters February 20, 2015!
Full plot synopsis is below the jump:
Kevin Costner and the cast of Disney’s McFarland USA closed the Santa Barbara Film Festival with movie’s premier. Costner himself grew up in nearby Ventura, so the movie was something of a home coming. But there is also a close tie the the agriculture industry… Read More »Disney’s feel-good sports story “McFarland, USA” premieres at Santa Barbara Film Festival
“McFarland, USA” is Disney’s feel good sports movie of the year. Based on a true story of newcomer running coach Jim White, coming into a predominantly Latino high school. Of course the coach, students, and community have a lot to learn from each other. With… Read More »Latin Rock Artist Juanes Releases Music Video for “McFarland, USA”