McFarland, USA: Kevin Costner Aims to Inspire

McFarland, USA: Kevin Costner Aims to Inspire

digitalsportsnews | November 21, 2014
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With the holiday season approaching, the box office is looking to cash in with a barrage of heart-warming films. One that may stand out for movie-goers is the inspirational Disney sports film directed by Niki Caro called McFarland USA. Disney has released other notable films like Cool Runnings, Remember the Titans, and most recently, Million Dollar Arm, which received critical acclaim. McFarland USA is the story of underdog runners trained by Legendary Coach Jim White (played by Kevin Costner) to turn them into cross-country athletes. It intertwines all of your standard Disney glitter – inspirational plot line, crossing of cultural barriers, and uplifting music to produce an American dream type film based on a true story. This is the official synopsis for McFarland USA: Inspired by a 1987 true story, “McFarland, USA” follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream. Field of Dreams (1989), Rocky(1976), The Sandlot (1993), Cool Runnings (1993), and The Rookie (2002) are just a small sampling of all the fantastic inspirational sports movies that are beloved by many. The list could go on and on. What is YOUR favorite sports movie and why? Will McFarland, USA get you to the movie theater this February? Leave your comments below. We would love to hear from you!!!