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Home » Entertainment » MCFARLAND, USA Parent Review

MCFARLAND, USA Parent Review

Posted by Marybeth | Read 6 Comments

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mcfarland usa parent review

I want to start this parent review of McFarland, USA by answering the questions that most readers want to know:

Is McFarland, USA ok for kids?
-and-
Should I take my kids to see McFarland, USA?

 
The short answer is, ABSOLUTELY! There is so much good in this movie that kids should see, and the story is something the whole family will love.

should I take my kids to see mcfarland usa

Based on the 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, 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.

Like most “sports” movies that I like (see my Million Dollar Arm review for all my feelings on that!) McFarland, USA really isn’t a movie about running. It’s the story of how a group of boys became a team, how a man became a coach and how a family found its home.

Simply put, McFarland, USA is packed with heart, tenacity and inspiration from start to finish. 

Since I’m writing this movie review to give parents information about if McFarland USA is suitable for kids, there are some things you should be aware of:

Overall, McFarland, USA is a PG-rated movie with an uplifting, inspirational message. As with any good film with that sort of message, there are some sad situations that define the story.

Those sad situations are real and honest. In McFarland, USA, they’re part of life; a set of challenges the characters have to overcome to become a team. They’re not overly dramatic and they’re certainly not disturbing.

In short, the movie touches on mature topics like racism, violence and depression. On the plus side, those situations definitely make the positive message hit home!

mcfarland usa parent review

In all honesty, I watched McFarland, USA back in November 2014. When I first started gathering my thoughts for this article, I could only remember the positivity of the movie. That alone tells me how much more of an impact the themes of teamwork, community, cooperation and family had on me!

I loved McFarland, USA for sharing the true story of Jim White and the cross country team he scraped together and built from nothing. In a time when it seems that there’s nothing but trouble in the rest of the world, McFarland, USA reminds us that there are good people doing good things out there.

McFarland, USA opens in theaters TODAY! Get tickets for your family and go see it this weekend!

All images courtesy of Disney. 

Disclosure: I screened this film on a Disney press trip for bloggers. All opinions are my own. 

Filed Under: Entertainment, Reviews Tagged With: #BigHero6Event, disney, Disney Press Releases, McFarland USA, movie reviews, Movies

About Marybeth

I'm Marybeth - Mom of 2, wife to 1, pet mom to 3. I love finding fun activities to do with my kids, going on adventures, watching movies and baking delicious treats! I used to climb the corporate ladder, now I spend my days caring for my family and spoiling my handicapped dog.

Comments

  1. Mari W says

    2015-02-20 at 8:10 pm

    Hey, thanks for this review! I come here for finding deals on stuff for my kids, but I love seeing the articles you post about movies and Hollywood and everything. It’s fun to read about it. It makes me think I’m taking a break from my obsessions with shopping for my babies! lol

    Reply
    • Marybeth Hamilton says

      2015-02-21 at 1:52 pm

      Mari,
      That makes me so happy to hear that you like it. Sometimes writing those articles is like living in a vacuum–I’m not sure readers *really* like them unless I get a comment like yours 🙂

      After all, this blog really is for you and all the other readers. I want to make sure I’m writing things you like/want to read.

      I also get the obsession with shopping for your little ones. I don’t think it goes away!

      Reply
  2. Leah says

    2015-02-21 at 11:05 am

    I’m going to see McFarland USA tonight. My husband likes Kevin Costner in every sports movie he’s in, so I’m not getting out of it! After reading your review, though, I have a feeling I’ll like it.

    PS: If I’m being honest, I like most Kevin Costner movies, too.

    Reply
    • Marybeth Hamilton says

      2015-02-21 at 1:46 pm

      Leah, I really think you’ll love it! Like I said in my review, there’s just so much GOOD in this movie!

      Reply
  3. Dana says

    2015-02-21 at 12:56 pm

    So…I remember you writing about this movie a while ago and saying you really liked it. I took my son to see it last night and he loved it! I didn’t read your review until now, but I think you said everything about McFarland US perfectly. You didn’t warn me that I would cry, tho. In a good way!!

    Reply
    • Marybeth Hamilton says

      2015-02-21 at 1:43 pm

      I’m so happy your son liked it!

      I kind of thought crying at underdog sports movies was a given. Sorry I didn’t warn you 🙂

      Reply

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