A special thank you goes out to Disney for providing my family with a copy of McFarland USA. Opinions expressed are that of my own.
This past week, I was given an opportunity to watch the DVD called McFarland USA with my 9 year old son.
Based on the true story of Coach Jim White and his team of Cross Country Runners, this film is truly a work that inspires, brought me to tears, and then made me smile.
Staring Kevin Costner (“Dances with Wolves,” “The Untouchables”), Maria Bello (“A History of Violence,” “Prisoners”), Carlos Pratts (“Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones,” “Out of the Fire”), and Morgan Saylor (TV’s “Homeland,” “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant”) this movie shows how it is possible to rise above difficult circumstances and also learn how to accept other’s differences.
If you aren’t familiar with the premise of McFarland USA, Coach Jim White finds himself in a new town coaching after making a error in a previous Football position. After realizing he is unable to continue down his same path, he sees an opportunity in the school’s students though the talent of running.
After recruiting some receptive and not so receptive athletes, taking a walk in their shoes and then learning about the local culture, Jim White then trains these young men to rise to their potential. He ultimately takes them to a WIN, however they are all winners by coming together as a team and forming an extended family.
I am so glad that I was able to share this production with my son. It helped spark a conversation about the opportunities he has in his own life, and showed him that it is possible to rise above life’s obstacles. Plus, being able to see the final scene of the film with the actual group of runners and Coach Jim White, was absolutely heart warming and inspiring to us both.
Note to parents: There is one scene in the film where the topic of suicide is approached. In addition, it is alluded that there is a gang issue during a sequences and the daughter gets hurt. However the viewer only sees the daughter with scraped knees.
About McFarland USA:
In the tradition of Disney sports movies comes “McFarland, USA” based on a true story of underdogs triumphing over tremendous obstacles. This heartwarming drama follows novice runners who strive to build a cross-country team under Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) in their predominantly Latino high school. Everyone has a lot to learn about each other, but when Coach realizes the boys’ exceptional running ability, things change. Beyond their talent, it’s the power of family, commitment to each other and work ethic that transform them into champions — helping them achieve their own American dream.
Have you had an opportunity to watch this film yet? What was one of your favorite scenes?
This DVD is rated PG, runs for 129 minutes, and includes the BONUS FEATURES of “Juntos” Music Video by Juanes, Inspiring McFarland, and Deleted and Extended Scenes. The film can be viewed on Blu-Ray, Disney Movies Anywhere, and Digital HD/SD. Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer. To learn more information about McFarland USA visit facebook.com/mcfarlandusa. To purchase visit McFarland USA.
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Photos and DVD information in this post were provided by Disney.
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