McFarland

I was talking to my Ace-Reviewer sister recently and she told me that this film was a gem that had to be seen. Kevin Costner was outstanding she said. The story was heartfelt and inspiring. It was her FAVORITE of the Disney Sports films! Whoa.Favorite of the Disney Sports films is high praise indeed considering how great some of them have been in recent years. "From Remember The Titans" to "Miracle", Disney has put out some outstanding films in the trappings of Sports stories. So when I say that this truly is one of, if not THE best...yeah you need to see it. The Greatest Game Ever Played was the best golf movie I've ever seen. And this film actually does the same for Running in my book (Sorry "Chariots of Fire").Yes, Kevin Costner is so solid in this film he's actually amazing. As in far more Oscar-worthy than Sandra Bullock in "The Blindside". But there is SO much more to this film than that. There is some truly great direction in this film. To the point of Best-Director Nomination worthy. No, there is no ultra-violence-sexual-coming-of-age-lifetime-achievement-Hollywood-favorite-political-message-of-the-moment scene to be found in this film. There's no head-hurting-stomach-churning-morality-twisting-drama that usually gets the Oscar nod. Heck there's not even any flashy cinematography. What there is, is a BEAUTIFULLY understated craftsmanship that lets the incredible script and outstanding acting throughout unfold the story.There's laugh-out-loud moments of hilarity to be found, there's a strong undercurrent of the dislike people have of living, working, BEING somewhere they feel is beneath them, for the very human reasons that no one needs spelled out.I've LIVED in a neighborhood where there were sirens every night, gunshots, barking dogs and screams (and so many drug dealers on my street I almost couldn't get into my own driveway), in the very same place where I made life-long friends and got TWO giant going away cards signed by countless families. I spent time with snobs who treated me like dirt around the same time, in a place that many people thought was a better world (and where my black friend got the cops called on him for preaching in a white neighborhood). I even preached in neighborhoods that were mere miles from fields farmed by immigrants (I drove through roads next to those fields when I went to college to get my degree). And yes, I do have Hispanic blood and LOOK like I belong in those fields myself if I get a bit of sun (hilariously I've been called "a white boy", "Italian" and "Mexican" depending on how much sun exposure I get), and I spent my teen years doing construction work for my dad with his Mexican workers (as my sister pointed out, the only people TOUGH enough to handle working on his crew) under the hot California sun. What am I saying, this film hit me close to home on a number of levels.Getting back to this film, having spent so much time in areas like it's setting, it feels absolutely authentic. All of the drama, the humor, the subtle romance, the cynicism, and ultimately the triumph, feels very, very real. The film is so well paced, acted, directed, and written, that it's entertaining from start to finish, and deeply moving in a way I haven't felt since "Stand And Deliver".The other reviewers are absolutely correct. This film is a good family film. It's an incredible story. It's moving, it's funny, it's feel good. It's a movie for people who like sports films, and even moreso for people who don't. It should be shown in every Middle School ESPECIALLY in California. And it is absolutely worth owning and watching repeatedly.This is not just a great sports film. It is one of the best films to come out in the last ten years. Essential purchase.

Loved this movie!This movie is a nice, uplifting movie about persevering and overcoming! It is also about opening your eyes and seeing things from a different perspective.I was worried about this being yet another movie where a white teacher goes and saves a bunch of brown-skinned kids. It is KIND OF like that, but I think the kids in this case also save the teacher. Plus, with it being based on a true story, it makes it much less bothersome. And honestly, there are movies where the Black coach saves the Black kids (Coach Carter), though it is easy to forget those.This was a good movie to show to my high school students. We talked about the quinceañera scene, about stereotypes that are shown and changed in the movie and about farmworkers, leading into the discussion of their working conditions and pay, as well as a bit about modern-day slavery.One thing I REALLY liked about the movie is at the end, it gives you and update about where the members of the team are now (well, at the time the movie was released).Excellent, clean movie that you can show to middle or high schoolers, cover items on the curriculum and not worry about it being inappropriate.

I hadn't written a review in years. This is the best movie I've seen in a long time. In addition to the other attributes listed by other reviewers, this film is superbly cast. Many McFarland residents appear in the film, including three or four of the runners on the team. They blend in so seamlessly with the actors playing runners that you cannot tell which is which. This film also has excellent dialogue. A film that you can watch again and again. The time flies by. Many similarities to Breaking Away. In a world full of corruption and people in power lying to us all the time, this film offers the opposite; authenticity and salt-of-the-earth characters.Also a great soundtrack.

I love this story. It’s inspirational & based on actual events. AWESOME film!

Based on a true story brought to life by Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, and an able cast. If you've ever run cross country or long-distance team competition, the nature of this team sport relying on every individual's performance, grit and perseverance is on full display. While this is a Cinderella story of the sport, the shared core values displayed by the team would serve any team well.

What an amazing movie! My son started running cross-country for his school team this year, and everyone had to tell us about running movies. My aunt, and a friend who is a veteran marathon runner both told us about this one, and I have to say, it is one of the best movies I have seen in years. That it is based on a true story and you get to find out what happened to everyone at the end in real life makes it even better. Get your tissues handy, though. There are many powerful moments in this movie. If you don't get a lump in your throat at least ten times in this movie, you're not paying attention to the movie. Put down your phone and watch!

Another excellent Kevin Costner-starrer that somehow missed a wider audience. Based on a true story, the picture blends feel-good movie vibes with historical facts and sports-as-life analogies. All in all, it's a pretty terrific ride. Production, direction and acting are all first-rate, with Costner totally in-charge and believable as Coach, supported by an outstanding ensemble cast. Watch it with the family; it's realistic as well as inspirational. Highly recommended.