Terrific new film by Nikki Caro captures the importance of family and community in the unlikely rise of a high school running team. Kevin Costner plays a coach who thinks he has hit bottom… only to learn see himself through a whole new lens. (BKP: 5/5)
********************************
Review of McFarland, USA by Associate Editor Brigid K. Presecky
Kevin Costner stars as Coach Jim White in this inspiring true story of a 1987 high school cross-country team and the Mexican-American community it helps to find itself. As a last-ditch effort to sustain his career, Jim moves his wife “Cheryl” (Maria Bello) and two daughters to the rural California town of McFarland, USA. At first glance, the Latino-populated area of “pickers” doesn’t look like much. Run-down houses line the streets, kids drink water out of hoses, and chickens populate front lawns. Although the unfamiliar lifestyle catches them off-guard, Jim’s family adjusts to their new hometown.
Jim accepts a teaching/coaching position and quickly notices the impressive running speed of his hard-working students. With the help of public funding – and some clever bargaining tactics – he convinces a group of seven boys (including three brothers) to create McFarland High School’s first-ever cross-country team. With Coach White (aka “Jefe Blanco”) at the helm, the boys train day in and day out, before and after their work in the nearby fields, to compete in meets for the state of California. As the film progresses, the audience – and Jim – witnesses the commitment and dedication of the seven. They rise at 4:30 a.m. to work in the fields for their families, run to school, then back to the fields, and finish the day at cross-country practice. As Jim instills hope into the boys’ lives, they, in turn, make him appreciate the things he had taken for granted.
Writers Christopher Cleveland and Bettina Gilois, along with director Niki Caro, tell a heartfelt story without over saturating it with sap. A portion of the story is dedicated to Jim’s family and the effect that his all-consuming profession has on his wife and daughters. What could have been a stereotypical “pay attention to me” storyline is actually dealt with care and realism, mostly thanks to Maria Bello and Morgan Saylor as Jim’s teenage daughter “Julie.” Each character comes to life and makes the audience care what happens to them. Costner is perfectly cast as a fish-out-of-water, country-club-type with his presence a perfect blend of confidence and apprehension. He gradually fits with the cross-country team members, whose characters are fleshed out well enough for the 128-minute film.
Director of Photography Terry Stacey beautifully captures the community of McFarland, California. With sunsets weaving through fields and montages of the boys running up and down hills, the impressive visual aspect of McFarland, USA is a highlight. Furthermore, the rhythmic music and vibrant colors of the homes, food, and clothing make you feel like you are a part of their tight-knit world.
Although this sincere story strikes a similar chord as Remember the Titans and Miracle, the theme of overcoming obstacles never feels tired. It gives you a glimpse into a world you might not know a lot about. It reminds you of the small things you take for granted. It reminds you to kneel down and say a prayer of thanksgiving. And it reminds you that anything is possible. If a film like this can spark a small fire in someone, it is well worth it.
Review © Brigid K. Presecky (2/21/15)
Top Photo: Costner the family man (with Maria Bello as his wife).
Bottom Photo: Costner as the coach with his kids. (From Left): “Damacio Diaz” (Jamie Michael Aguero), “Jose Cardenas” (Johnny Ortiz), “Danny Diaz” (Ramiro Rodriguez), “Victor Puentes” (Sergio Avelar), “Coach Jim White” (Kevin Costner), “David Diaz” (Rafael Martinez), “Thomas Valles” (Carlos Pratts) and “Johnny Sameniego” (Hector Duran).
Photo Credits: Ron Phillips/DISNEY
Q: Does McFarland USA Pass the Bechdel Test?
Yes… But only around the edges.
It’s an remarkable paragraph designed for all the online
people; they will take advantage from it I am sure.
I always spent my half an hour to read this blog’s articles or reviews
all the time along with a cup of coffee.
I want to to thank you for this good read!! I certainly loved every bit
of it. I have you book-marked to look at new
stuff you post…
This page certainly has all of the information and facts I needed concerning this subject and didn’t
know who to ask.
Have you ever considered creating an ebook or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog based on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information.
I know my subscribers would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
Aw, this was a very nice post. Finding the time and
actual effort to produce a really good article… but
what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and don’t manage to get
nearly anything done.
Link exchange is nothing else however it is only placing the other person’s weblog link
on your page at suitable place and other person will also do
similar in favor of you.
My family members every time say that I am killing my time here
at net, except I know I am getting familiarity everyday by
reading such fastidious articles or reviews.
It’s going to be finish of mine day, however before end I am reading this wonderful post
to increase my know-how.
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my site so i got here to return the
favor?.I’m attempting to find issues to improve my site!I assume
its good enough to make use of a few of your concepts!!
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this superb
blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed
to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will
share this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This paragraph posted at this site is truly pleasant.
Its like you learn my thoughts! You seem to know a lot approximately this, like you
wrote the e-book in it or something. I believe that you just can do with some percent to power the message home a little bit, but instead of that, that is
fantastic blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.
I like the valuable info you supply to your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and test again right here regularly.
I’m relatively certain I will be informed lots of new stuff proper
right here! Best of luck for the following!
whoah this blog is excellent i like studying your posts. Stay up the good work!
You realize, a lot of people are searching around for this info, you can help them greatly.
Peculiar article, exactly what I was looking for.
Hey are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to
get started and set up my own. Do you need any html coding knowledge to make your
own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this,
like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do
with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but
instead of that, this is magnificent blog. An excellent read.
I will certainly be back.
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you
actually recognize what you’re talking approximately!
Bookmarked. Kindly also discuss with my website
=). We can have a hyperlink trade arrangement
between us
What i do not understood is if truth be told how you are not
really a lot more smartly-appreciated than you may be right now.
You’re very intelligent. You know thus significantly in relation to this topic, made me individually consider it from
so many numerous angles. Its like men and women are not involved
except it’s one thing to do with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs excellent.
Always maintain it up!
It is in point of fact a great and helpful piece of info.
I am happy that you shared this helpful info with us. Please
stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
My brother recommended I might like this blog.
He was entirely right. This post actually made my day.
You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for
this info! Thanks!
This is a topic which is close to my heart…
Cheers! Exactly where are your contact details though?
I delight in, cause I discovered just what I used to be having a look for.
You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God
Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
When someone writes an article he/she maintains the image of a
user in his/her mind that how a user can know it.
Thus that’s why this article is perfect. Thanks!
You could definitely see your skills in the article you write.
The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to
mention how they believe. At all times go after
your heart.
Hi there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Carry on the great work!
Wonderful website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article?
I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get
suggestions from other experienced individuals that share the same interest.
If you have any recommendations, please let
me know. Cheers!
Hello, every time i used to check webpage posts here early in the dawn,
since i love to gain knowledge of more and more.
Currently it appears like WordPress is the top blogging platform available right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website.
I really hope to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well.
In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my
own, personal blog now 😉
Today, I went to the beach front with my kids.
I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter
and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.”
She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was
a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!
Excellent web site you have here.. It’s difficult to find good quality
writing like yours these days. I truly appreciate people like you!
Take care!!
Hello, I enjoy reading all of your article. I wanted to write a little comment to support you.
What’s up, always i used to check weblog posts here in the early
hours in the dawn, because i love to gain knowledge
of more and more.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.
When someone writes an post he/she maintains the
image of a user in his/her mind that how a user can know it.
Thus that’s why this article is great. Thanks!
If you are going for finest contents like me, simply pay a
visit this website daily because it gives quality contents,
thanks
Hey are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying
to get started and create my own. Do you require any coding expertise to make
your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
Simply wish to say your article is as amazing.
The clearness to your put up is simply great and i can suppose
you are an expert on this subject. Well along with your permission let me to grasp your RSS feed to stay up to
date with approaching post. Thanks one million and please keep up the gratifying
work.
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your blog.
Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility
problems? A handful of my blog readers have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome.
Do you have any advice to help fix this issue?
Good way of telling, and pleasant piece of writing to get information regarding my
presentation subject matter, which i am going to convey in university.
Hello there, I found your site by way of Google whilst
looking for a similar matter, your site got here up, it appears to
be like good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, simply changed into alert to your blog
through Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
I am gonna be careful for brussels. I will be grateful
should you continue this in future. A lot of other people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
whoah this blog is wonderful i really like studying your articles.
Stay up the good work! You understand, lots of individuals are searching round for this information,
you could help them greatly.
No matter if some one searches for his necessary thing, thus he/she wishes to be available that
in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over here.
Excellent blog you’ve got here.. It’s difficult to find excellent writing like yours nowadays.
I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
I get pleasure from, result in I found exactly what I used to be having a look for.
You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye
Ahaa, its fastidious conversation about this paragraph here at this webpage, I have
read all that, so at this time me also commenting here.
Just want to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity for your publish is
just great and that i could suppose you are knowledgeable in this subject.
Well along with your permission let me to seize your RSS feed to stay up to date
with drawing close post. Thanks one million and please carry on the gratifying work.
Every weekend i used to pay a quick visit this web page,
as i wish for enjoyment, for the reason that this this site conations actually nice funny material too.
all the time i used to read smaller posts which also clear their motive,
and that is also happening with this post which I am reading now.
Very good post! We are linking to this particularly great content on our site.
Keep up the good writing.
Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired!
Very helpful information specifically the ultimate part 🙂 I take care of such info a lot.
I used to be looking for this particular information for a
long time. Thanks and best of luck.
Right here is the right website for anybody who hopes to find out
about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue
with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa).
You definitely put a new spin on a subject which has been written about
for a long time. Great stuff, just wonderful!
Hello, i feel that i saw you visited my blog so i got here to
return the favor?.I am trying to in finding issues to enhance my site!I guess its ok
to use a few of your ideas!!
Hi to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from
this web site, and your views are pleasant in favor of
new people.
What’s up, yeah this post is actually fastidious and I have learned lot of
things from it about blogging. thanks.
Tremendous issues here. I am very happy to look your article.
Thanks so much and I am taking a look forward to contact you.
Will you kindly drop me a mail?
fantastic points altogether, you simply received a brand
new reader. What might you suggest in regards to
your publish that you made a few days ago? Any positive?
I am sure this post has touched all the internet viewers, its really really good article on building up new weblog.
Undeniably imagine that that you said. Your favourite justification seemed to be at
the web the easiest factor to take into account of.
I say to you, I definitely get irked while other folks think about worries that
they just don’t realize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and
also defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other people could take
a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks
obviously like your web site however you have to check the
spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling
issues and I find it very troublesome to inform
the reality then again I’ll definitely come again again.
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get got an impatience over
that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come
more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
I just couldn’t depart your site before suggesting that I extremely loved the standard information a person supply in your visitors?
Is going to be back incessantly in order to check up on new
posts
Hey, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your blog in Chrome, it looks fine but when opening in Internet
Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you
a quick heads up! Other then that, amazing blog!
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished
to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I
hope you write again very soon!
Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is great, as well as the content!
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for
me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
Great work!
Very descriptive post, I loved that bit. Will there be a part 2?
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting
to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
Wow, this article is fastidious, my younger sister is analyzing
these kinds of things, thus I am going to inform her.
I do believe all of the ideas you’ve introduced for your post.
They are very convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are
very quick for beginners. May you please prolong them a little
from next time? Thanks for the post.
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case
you shield this hike.
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images on this blog loading?
I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hi, its good piece of writing about media print,
we all be familiar with media is a fantastic source of facts.
I do not even understand how I finished up right here,
however I thought this submit was good. I do not understand who you are however certainly you’re going to a
famous blogger in the event you are not already.
Cheers!
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and interesting,
and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
The problem is something too few folks are speaking intelligently about.
Now i’m very happy that I came across this during my search for something regarding
this.