McFarland USA

The Disney sports movie might be cliché to some but it can still work and "McFarland" is the evidence. Just by changing the sport, setting and time period, the narrative structure we are used to still has potential. The filmmakers did other things to make the movie enjoyable however.

The power of family, community and faith is portrayed. I love when the team makes state and kneel down to pray. Jim White and his family are different from the rest of the town but they aren't discriminated against as much as you might expect. The town comes to realize that the Whites are not a proud family and the Whites (especially Jim) have a desire to fit in to the community. Because of all this, the cross-country team begins to experience momentum and the kids create a bond with Coach White. Another great scene is when the team first calls Jim "Coach". I also get a really kick out of the joke the team plays on the coach with the orange. The singing of the national anthem at the state championship sends a great message. The United States has diversity and should embrace this. We aren't hearing the Mexican national anthem but instead, a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner that is emblematic of the local culture of McFarland, California. The surprise runner in the climatic race is made more heroic thanks to the performance of Kevin Costner. His performance throughout the movie is such that you are able to forget enough about his past works. Costner is no stranger to the sports genre so his experience comes in handy. The scenes with his on-screen family really help differentiate this role from others. The Cross-Country program in real life at McFarland High School started in 1980 and got their first title in 1987, as the film depicts. I support the compression of time because the underdog nature of the team creates more drama and is more inspirational.

I appreciated the musical score because it helped with the unique setting of the movie and I also liked the cinematography. The filmmakers were tasked with a story involving a sport that takes a long time and they were effectively able to make it dramatic. The screenwriters were also able to explain to the audience in a quick way how to win a meet so as to not slow down the movie. There is strategy in team cross-country racing and you understand that by the climax. The film could have done a better job with the character development because the final product wasn't perfect. You have some great scenes but sometimes, plot points seemed convenient and the narrative felt rushed. We have to accept the emotional changes that these characters undergo and this was something that was only moderately accomplished. Still, "McFarland" will entertain and inspire. It may not be a "Remember the Titans" but it is worth watching. Disney follows their usual rules with this genre but thanks to the originality incorporated, the final film is a good one.

4 Stars