McFarland, USA

Name: McFarland, USA
Director: Niki Caro
Released: 2015

Synopsis

A track coach in a small California town transforms a team of athletes into championship contenders.

80
TheWrap
A feel-good movie that earns all those good feelings, McFarland, USA might be running on a predetermined track, but the heart it shows along the journey is what makes it a winner.
70
The Hollywood Reporter
While the beats of the story are often stock, the picture benefits from sensitive direction by New Zealander Niki Caro (Whale Rider, North Country) and from a most appealing performance by Kevin Costner.
67
Austin Chronicle
Set in 1987, this inspirational Disney sports film (that’s a niche, but a growing one) hits all the schmaltzy, sappy notes you’d expect, but never falls to its knees under the burden.
63
Movie Nation
McFarland is old-fashioned without being dull, pandering without feeling cloying or racist.
60
Variety
A rare studio entertainment featuring a largely Latino ensemble, yet necessarily fronted by a big-name draw like Costner, McFarland, USA feels at once mildly progressive and unavoidably retrograde.
60
The Guardian
There’s more to this movie than sweeping music and celebrating in slow motion. It all stems from Costner’s remarkable, taciturn performance as Coach White.
60
Village Voice
It works, kind of, despite its broadness, its obviousness, and its howlingly awful opening.
58
The A.V. Club
Of course, it would be even nicer to see this story from a student athlete’s point of view. Beyond the representation issue, it might allow the movie to eliminate its dull and unevenly developed scenes.