We've been here before but Disney knows the course well

Rating: 8/10 (9 April 2015)

You can't swing a cat without hitting a "based on real life" sports story usually about inner city youth or a struggling neighbourhood. They are uplifting films and I have enjoyed many of them. Disney has done some of the best ones out there and McFarland, USA fits that bill. Kevin Costner is one of my all time favourites and the reason why I saw this film. He doesn't disappoint and neither does the movie. You can't be disappointed in the film with low expectations because you have to know what to expect. The film is clean enough for most families although our theatre had it listed as "G" Rated and I don't stand behind that at all. There was some minor cursing and the tone of the film is just a tad much to be G. It is still an inspiring story with great characters and while it does nothing to make itself stand apart from other films, it was well worth watching.
Kevin Costner should be known as the sports actor by now. Three baseball films, golf, football and now this. I would hardly say this is his best performance but its still a solid go. He brings a lot of heart to the role and complexity to a simplistic part. The heart and soul of this film are really the boys that he coaches to success in track. Ramiro Rodriguez, Carlos Pratts, Johnny Ortiz, Rafael Martinez, Hector Duran, Sergio Avelar and Michael Aguero are all very good and have terrific chemistry together. They are believable and show a ton of emotion and really make this story come to life. Together with Costner, it is the perfect blend of personalities to make this effective. Maria Bello is okay but completely underused and underdeveloped as Costner's wife. Morgan Saylor is terrific as Costner's teenage daughter. She shows a lot of talent in her role and I think she is one to watch as she is also very good in Homeland too.
Director Niki Caro gives a lot of heart to this film. You can see it and you can feel it. I think the only issue with this film is that we have seen it all before but don't let that steer you away from seeing it. If you enjoy this type of true life story or you want a good decent family film (with a little bit of bad language) then this is one you will certainly not regret seeing. Disney knows how to make these films and they will continue to be successful at it. This was as good as last year's Million Dollar Arm, maybe make these two a double feature. 8/10