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McFarland, USA

Play trailer Poster for McFarland, USA PG Released Feb 20, 2015 2h 9m Drama Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 130 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Track coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is a newcomer to a predominantly Latino high-school in California's Central Valley. Coach White and his new students find that they have much to learn about one another, but things begin to change when White realizes the boys' exceptional running ability. More than just physical prowess drives the teens to succeed; their strong family ties, incredible work ethic and commitment to their team all play a factor in forging these novice runners into champions.
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McFarland, USA

McFarland, USA

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Critics Consensus

Disney's inspirational sports drama formula might be old hat, but McFarland, USA proves it still works -- especially with a talented director and eminently likable star in the mix.

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Critics Reviews

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Brandon Ambrosino Vox What makes McFarland USA so successful, and so bracing, is the way that its protagonist becomes aware of something that is rarely broached in these sorts of narratives - his own privilege. Dec 17, 2015 Full Review Geoffrey Macnab Independent (UK) Niki Caro uses every device at her disposal to make a rousing, feelgood movie but risks turning the film into a glorified fairytale in the process. Sep 25, 2015 Full Review Kevin Maher Times (UK) McFarland, USA is a modern anomaly — a Kevin Costner sports movie that’s genuinely rousing. Sep 24, 2015 Full Review Richard Crouse Richard Crouse A standard issue inspiration coach movie. Rated: 2.5/5 Feb 2, 2021 Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Its feel good and inspirational story will raise your spirits and leave you feeling much better when you leave the theater than when you entered it. Rated: 3.0/4.0 Sep 16, 2020 Full Review Allen Almachar The MacGuffin There are good intentions behind this, even when it contains a problem or two [or three]. Rated: B- Jul 16, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jay W I'm an easy mark when it comes to "Sports Movies". There are too many examples to list off here, but suffice it to say, some of my all-time favorite movies are sports movies. Yes, they can be a bit formulaic, but they are utilizing clichés that I never get tired of. A story of an individual or team, starting off bad, but then through hard work and determination overcome impossible odds and find their moment in the sun. Those story telling tropes will never get old for me. The simple joy of having a character that everyone thinks is no good step up in the final seconds of the championship for the win is so cheesy, but so satisfying. The movie takes a fair share of liberties from the original true story, but what movie doesn't? The movie is very tightly edited, keeping a good pace throughout the story. The only problem is that the movie takes on a little more than it can chew. There are one too many subplots and characters going on in this story, and the movie has a hard time keeping what needs in focus. I am glad that, despite the story taking place in 1987, the film does not feel the need to rub the audience's nose in that fact. It helps give the story a more timeless feel. I like that the film got a PG rating, this is full of themes that kids off all ages can benefit from. Certainly not Costner's best sports movie. But I ran cross country in high school and thusly this movie speaks to me on a higher level. Not all the story points work, and it may not be the most original story, but when it works, it can get me to stand up and cheer. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 12/01/24 Full Review Emon M This is a must-watch for underdog sport stories. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/04/24 Full Review Bernard D Really good family movie about perseverance, hard work, overcoming hardships (sometimes self imposed), and the value of family. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 06/30/24 Full Review Dan R Not normally the kind of movie I would watch. I'm glad I did, an emotional and very well written version of a true story. Another Disney special. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/08/24 Full Review Angelina M I didn't really like it, but like for me, the movies I like, well it's hard to explain, but i just didn't enjoy this one. I don't like movies like this. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 03/21/24 Full Review Teagan M Such a good motivational movie. Made well with good cast. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/12/24 Full Review Read all reviews
McFarland, USA

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Track coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is a newcomer to a predominantly Latino high-school in California's Central Valley. Coach White and his new students find that they have much to learn about one another, but things begin to change when White realizes the boys' exceptional running ability. More than just physical prowess drives the teens to succeed; their strong family ties, incredible work ethic and commitment to their team all play a factor in forging these novice runners into champions.
Director
Niki Caro
Producer
Gordon Gray, Mark Ciardi
Screenwriter
Christopher Cleveland, Bettina Gilois, Grant Thompson
Distributor
Walt Disney
Production Co
Mayhem Pictures
Rating
PG (Some Violence|Language|Thematic Material)
Genre
Drama, Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 20, 2015, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 2, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$44.5M
Runtime
2h 9m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
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