#7 McFarland, USA

February 20

Synopsis: 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 (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. Anticipation Level: Medium. Despite sometimes disappointing box office numbers, Disney continues to more-or-less annually release a feel-good based-on-a-true-story sports movie and I’m very happy they do, the film landscape needs these mainstays. Based on the trailer I’ve seen, this one seems even more saccharine and less edgy than most others of this type (and there are many). Downsides? Kevin Costner, the sport (is cross country a team sport?) and the retread nature of the “coach comes to the poor kid school” story, but I’m sure I’ll still have a tear during the undoubtedly predictable ending.

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