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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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Marco L (CASTELLANO) Me podía haber emocionado al ver a esos chavales correr, pero no pude evitarlo, pensaba que había visto esta película antes. Habían cogido una fórmula ganadora y la repetían sin añadir nada nuevo. Kevin Costner está bien, pero su personaje es... demasiado perfecto. Me hubiera gustado ver un entrenador más complejo, con sus propios demonios y dudas. Me hubiera gustado ver algo más original, que me sorprendiera, pero no era así. La dirección de Niki Caro es correcta, sin grandes riesgos, y la ambientación logra transmitir la dureza del entorno en el que viven los protagonistas. Sin embargo, la película se queda en lo superficial y no profundiza demasiado en sus historias personales. Todo avanza de forma mecánica, con momentos emotivos que funcionan, pero que nunca sorprenden. A pesar de su falta de originalidad, McFarland es un film que se deja ver. No molesta, pero tampoco deja huella. Para quienes disfruten de este tipo de historias, puede ser una opción entretenida, aunque difícilmente se recuerde con el tiempo. (ENGLISH) I could have been moved watching those kids run, but I couldn’t help feeling like I had seen this movie before. They took a winning formula and repeated it without adding anything new. Kevin Costner does a fine job, but his character is… too perfect. I would have liked to see a more complex coach, one with his own demons and doubts. I wanted something more original, something that would surprise me, but that wasn’t the case. Niki Caro’s direction is competent, without major risks, and the setting effectively conveys the harsh reality of the protagonists’ environment. However, the film remains on the surface, never really delving into their personal stories. Everything moves forward mechanically, with emotional moments that work but never truly surprise. Despite its lack of originality, McFarland is a watchable film. It’s harmless, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. For those who enjoy this kind of story, it can be an entertaining choice, though it’s unlikely to be remembered over time. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/18/25 Full Review Garrett B Kevin Kostner delivers in this sports biography. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/05/25 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
McFarland, USA

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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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