McFarland, USA is a Disney production that reminds of the recently
opened indie, Spare Parts, in which,
like this film, Latino teenagers are challenged by an inspiring teacher to go
beyond their perceived destiny and achieve the American dream. Spare
Parts is about a scientific competition, whereas McFarland is about a sports competition. Both are based on true events. I preferred the raw, edginess of Spare Parts, but McFarland
is still very good.
In both films, the inspiring teacher has a
dicey past that each man is trying to overcome, and find themselves in what
they think is a temporary position, not having an inkling of the emotional pull
of their new communities. Coach
White (Costner) has gotten into trouble at several institutions because of a
hot temper and not controlling his impulses, and the family has had to move
multiple times; McFarland is the lowest yet. White’s wife Julie (Bello) is a model of support, and they
have two lovely girls.
White is astute, though, and when he sees three
of his students running back and forth to the farm fields to help their
parents, he realizes how fast they go, and hatches the idea of coaching them in
cross country running. He takes
advantage of the fastest runner getting in trouble, and sees to it that his
“punishment” will be to recruit his fellow students for the team. As a side, in both these films, the
principal is a leader who has insight into teachers’ intentions and what’s best
for students. So with everyone
involved working together, Coach White has a scrappy team that can be motivated
to reach beyond their dreams, and educate him along the way as well.
The road will not be smooth, of course, with
family issues, work vs. school pulls, some parental resistance, and community
violence needing to be dealt with along the way. But another strong point of the film is in demonstrating how
community support and everyone working together can achieve seemingly impossible
goals.
Niki Caro, the director, working closely with
the writers, presents a realistic picture of the Latino and white cultures
mixing together—both rough spots and humorous incidents—and balances well the
athletic, emotional, social, and administrative highs and lows. The audience in the screening I
attended expressed their appreciation of the film by applauding, chuckling, and
cheering throughout.
Kevin Costner was at his best in giving
eloquent speeches at just the right time and—more often—mumbling shyly his
thanks or sympathy. At one point,
though, he has to come through more openly in a very tender moment with a
student. The supporting cast of
Latinos—many of whom have been in television productions—are really fine, and
make the picture sing.
Altogether, McFarland
is an entertaining, inspiring, and heartfelt movie.
Running for your life cross
country—literally.
Grade: B By
Donna R. Copeland
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