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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / mcfarland usa – a review

mcfarland usa – a review

February 24, 2015      14 Comments

It’s no secret that I love movies. I could probably, happily, go to the theater five days a week. One of the local theater chains actually has a pass where you pay a monthly rate, and you may attend as many showings as your little heart desires.  I’ve considered purchasing that pass.

I come by it honestly. I was a Motion Pictures major in college, specializing in screenwriting. I visited LA in my senior year, touring studios, meeting agents and producers, and generally being blown away by the Hollywood glamor. But my insecurities got the better of me, and my scripts remain locked away in a hidden location, never to be exposed by human eyes. When I graduated, I scored a job working in (trade) magazine publishing and moved smoothly into sports and event marketing.

To date, one of my favorite leisure activities is sitting down to watch a well-written, beautifully filmed, brilliantly acted and exquisitely scored film.

McFarland USA is based on the true story of the unlikely and inspiring rise of the 1987 cross country team from McFarland High School.

Kevin Costner plays the role of Jim White, a high school football coach whose bursts of temper have made him persona non grata on the more desirable California campuses.

However, a job offer comes from McFarland High School, located in McFarland, California, which is described as one of the poorest towns in America. White relocates his wife and two daughters to the heart of this small, predominantly Mexican-American small town, where he finds himself in another world, culturally and socially.

At first, White makes no effort to relate to his students or to fit into his new home. He sees this job as a stepping stone to another opportunity and has no plans to stay any longer than necessary. However, after he challenges the head coach to protect an injured student during a football game, he finds himself ousted from the assistant position, but still employed as a teacher at the school.

With time on his hands and the realization that some of the students in his PE class can run, White undergoes a crusade to create a cross country team to compete at California’s first invitational track and cross-country event. The principal gives his grudging blessing and White goes to work.

Kevin Costner did a lovely job portraying the humbled coach who brought hope to a town where hope was gone. In a place where the the town prison was located directly across the street from the high school, and where students started their days before the sun, picking in the fields to earn money for their families, before a full day of classes and then back until dark, without much complaint, dreams were created and realized.

Screen Shot 2015-02-23 at 9.28.32 PM

Maria Bello was flawless as Cheryl White, a wife trying to support her husband through his times of poor judgment and give their daughters a home and family of which they can be proud. Carlos Pratts did an outstanding job in the part of the anguished but dauntless Thomas Valles, walking the tightrope of seeking his father’s approval while daring to dream of something more. And I really can’t say enough about newcomer Ramiro Rodriquez’s role as Danny Diaz, one of the three Diaz brothers on the original team, the anchor who bound the group.

The story is filmed against the sweeping backdrop of the San Joaquin Valley, at times dry and dusty, but at others, so bright with color and majesty it takes one’s breath away. Filmed on location, it was easy to capture the spirit and soul of the McFarland streets and neighborhoods, lending an authenticity to the overall production.

This is a story of passion and dedication, family and brotherhood, trust and redemption, inspiration and triumph. These are universal messages that apply to running and to life, and they will always stick with me.

Screen Shot 2015-02-23 at 9.29.04 PM

I’m probably going to need to see this again in the theater, either with Mr PugRunner or with some running friends.

Screen Shot 2015-02-23 at 9.35.14 PM

 

Have you been to see McFarland USA yet? What did you think?

What’s your favorite sports movie?

 

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Comments

  1. Stacie Seidman says

    February 24, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    I saw a preview for this during the holidays, and I’m DYING to go see it! Thanks so much for this fantastic review. I had no idea about your film background! You know those insecurities are normal, why do you think so many authors use pen names?! Keep on that, always follow your passion.
    Stacie Seidman recently posted…Blueberry Cove BeadsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 24, 2015 at 5:27 pm

      Definitely go! You won’t regret it!

      I like to keep an air of mystery about me. I often (half) joke that I have absolutely no useful skills. I mean, really. Who goes to college to double major in screenwriting and creative writing? And let’s not forget the ever-useful minor in religious studies. What was I thinking? It worked out ok, but LOL!

      One day, I’ll throw caution to the wind and try to get something published, but it’s hard to get over those fears.

      Reply
  2. Anne says

    February 24, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    Whaaaattttttt I had no idea you studied screen writing!!!! That is so so so cool! No wonder your blog is so enjoyable to read 🙂

    I’m not a big movie person BUT I can’t wait to see this one!
    Anne recently posted…How to Run In the IceMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 24, 2015 at 5:28 pm

      <3 <3 <3 Thanks, Anne!

      Yep. It's not something I talk about a lot, because it's kind of irrelevant, but blogging is my way of writing "professionally" without having to worry about the editing pen LOL!

      You need to see it. It will absolutely move you.

      Reply
  3. Betsy says

    February 24, 2015 at 4:59 pm

    I’ve heard some great things about this movie! Can’t wait to see it!
    Betsy recently posted…BangBandsbyLinny ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 24, 2015 at 5:29 pm

      Make sure you do!

      Reply
  4. Sarah @ Sweet Miles says

    February 24, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    Oohh I am wanting to see this so bad!! LOVE that it’s about running. Some of my husband’s family in TX actually have friends who knew the real-life inspiration for the movie!
    Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…My Snow Day Fitness Game is Non-ExistentMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 24, 2015 at 9:10 pm

      No way! How cool is that???

      Reply
  5. Mary Beth Jackson says

    February 24, 2015 at 9:43 pm

    so funny! I mentioned this movie in my blog post today too! Loved it!
    Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Movies that inspire!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 25, 2015 at 12:49 pm

      I will be by to check it out!

      Reply
  6. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    February 24, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    Love movies based on real life inspiration. Looks awesome. Thanks for the review.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Diet Bet and Weight Watchers UpdateMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 25, 2015 at 12:50 pm

      There are so many great stories out there.

      Reply
  7. Meghan R says

    February 26, 2015 at 3:03 am

    I loved that movie! So so good 🙂

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 26, 2015 at 12:06 pm

      It really was.

      Reply

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Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
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