What brings together, Princess Leia, an ewok, three Darth Vaders, somebody that looks like Chewbacca, and thousands of their fellow fans? How about a RunDisney event with a Star Wars theme? That’s just what was announced today for Walt Disney world on the weekend of… Read More »Walt Disney World adds Star Wars Half Marathon to 2016 runDisney lineup
Marvel Entertainment and ESPN Films have joined together on a short film series that gives viewers a unique look at some of the world’s most successful athletes. The first episode will air tonight on TV and Facebook. The series, “1 of 1 — Origins,” mixes… Read More »Marvel and ESPN Films premiering short film series on athletes tonight
Update: Official word from Drive Petty representative is that the Exotic Driving Experience plans to reopen on May 1. They gave us this statement: “As of today, the plan is to resume EDE operations in Orlando. However, we are evaluating the situation during the ongoing… Read More »Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney Speedway could close permanently
DraftKings, a sports fantasy website that provides fans a chance to win money with their fantasy teams, has just received a $250 million investment from the Walt Disney Company. In return, DraftKings has reportedly agreed to drop $500 million in advertising on ESPN, which is… Read More »Sports Fantasy website DraftKings gets $250 Million investment from Disney
The Richard Petty Driving Experience and Exotic Driving has received a brief reprieve from Walt Disney World and will now remain open until August 9th. This gives Florida residents more time to enjoy a special 25% discount before Disney moves in and demolishes the Walt… Read More »Richard Petty Driving Experience Extended Until August 9th
I often claim that Walt Disney World already has its 5th gate. ESPN Wide World of Sports complex is host to thousands of guests every day, many of whom are living out one of life’s dreams. of course, some of those guests are actual professional… Read More »Catch a live recording of Baseball Tonight at ESPN WWOS
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: