(From syracusenewtimes.com)
When the coach played by Kevin Costner in “McFarland, USA” takes one look at the the situation he’s gotten he and his family into, he’s an unhappy fellow.
But then Jim White learns he shouldn’t just assume stuff, a pretty good lesson for a man who’s a teacher.
And by the time the Disney movie about a group of real-life cross-country runners from a tiny town in California is over, this critic is quite certain it’s best to not to assume that every sports film to come down the pike is going to completely fit a certain stereotype.
You can read my weekly Film Review blog today on the Syracuse New Times site by clicking the link below.
http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/run-fast-see-mcfarland-usa/
Are you ready for a film about a cross-country team? Do you have a certain predisposition about sports films? What’s your favorite Kevin Costner sports film, and why?
Mark Bialczak 
Now, I do like running, but I didn’t consider that a sport. Here’s a movie I might like! 🙂
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You will like it for the human spirit, Rachel. I think. 🙂
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Aww, I bet I will. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Angie Mc's Reblog Love and commented:
Baseball films are my fave. Mark asks, “Are you ready for a film about a cross-country team?”
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Thanks for the thumbs up on this film, Mark. Our family watches pretty much every sports movie (esp. baseball) there is and I’m sure we would eventually catch this one. But now we’ll put it to the top of the list.
Cactus League about to start. Consider yourself and Karen invited 😀
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Your family would like this one viewed together, Angie McFly. And thanks for the invite, but we have a full schedule. 😦 Brrrrrrr. Enjoy spring training. We need practice on that season around here.
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Sport themed movie are my favorite sort of movies overall. Mostly baseball movies, but any and all really. I’m all set to see this one. Kevin will not disappoint. What was the name if that cross country runner movie with him where he had a brain tumor? Hmm….remember that one? I know. ..random thought.
Sorry, Chum. xx
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Mark, I confess I skimmed your review because I hate knowing ANYthing about a film I may see, but now I want to see the film on the strength of two things: Your recommendation, and that you said that the audience spontaneously applauded. Pretty strong evidence this is worth a watch. Thank you!
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Also FYI, I try not to give too much away because … well, because, Babe. Enjoy the movie. 🙂
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Mark, I knew you wouldn’t include any spoilers. I’m one of those extreme nerds who sometimes closes my eyes and plugs my ears during trailers for films I know I might want to see. Pathetic 🙂
USED to do that, back when I used to go out to see films. Spoiled now by prices and chatty patrons (and mgmt who doesn’t stop the latter).
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Yes, nothing worse than those who behave as if the whole world is their living room, Babe.
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Another sports movie for this guy?! His last one was about the NFL. I think he played the coach of the Browns, of all unlikely things. One man’s rut is another man’s groove.
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He played the GM of the Browns, even more eventful. Yes, Costner is grooving. This one, he lets the young actors glow in his experience, Mark.
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I love any movie about an underdog . . . gets me every time!! I had already planned to see this, & now will for sure with your thumbs up, Mark 😉 Enjoyed your review!!
Saw “The Judge”, too – loved it, but kind of expected that 🙂
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The human factor here warmed me, Sadie. I needed this movie at this point in my life, pure and simple. I think it will help you, too. 🙂
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My dad is not into costner but he’s looking fwd to this movie and now I find your review. I think the universe might be urging me to catch this one. Thanks for another thoughtful rundown, hermano!
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This film provided me great insight into situations that may dance about the West Coast branch of the Bialdez family, sis Sandra. They do in my brain.
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Well that settles it. The big screen just made my to do list. Let’s add another pint to that visit so we can debrief after the flick.
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Indeed. Another pitcher, Sandra. 🙂
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This was a trailer that nabbed me–absolutely want to see. And your review has seconded things, so thanks for that! Reminded me a bit–in the preview–of Cool Runnings, though not as goofball. Underdog team does their community proud. And who doesn’t like to sit and watch other people run? 😀
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Not goofy like Cool Runnings but with the sweet part, Liz. Yes, I like your running philosophy, too. 🙂
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I’m glad you gave this one a good review MBM. I am looking forward to eventually seeing this. I don’t have a favorite Costner movie (sports or otherwise). I usually like him no matter what. I’m looking forward to this because it is ‘real’ and now that you say it has the follow up to their stories in it, I’m more intrigued.
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It has real-life ups and downs, too, not just ups, which made me appreciate it more, MBC.
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I don’t trust life that is star ward bound only. 😉
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Yes, I would have liked to use the sneak preview tickets my Columbus Dispatch friend, Gary gave me through the mail, but grandkids had their little art and music Chili Winter Family Night. I sent my clerk from work with her boyfriend and they absolutely recommended it. So glad you agree and gave this a great review. I would see Kevin Costner in any movie, I loved “Draft Day,” just last week watched it. My favorite one is a corny one, “Message in a Bottle,” because it has Kevin C. and Paul Newman plays his father, too. My second favorite would be, “The Bodyguard” with Whitney Houston… smiles!
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Good picks, Robin. Sorry to hear you had to give your passes away, but the family art amd music night is a great reason why!
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i like that they show what happened to the real people, like ‘the blind side.’ yes, i’d see a cross-country film, it can be about any sport really, it’s all in the story and the inspiration. my favorite kevin film is ‘bull durham.’
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Bull Durham is a good one. Yay Crash Davis. 🙂
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People clapped? I only recall seeing that happen once, after “Pulp Fiction,” which seems crazy now. How cool to show clips of the real-life people.
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It was very cool, Kerbey, the people and the clapping in the theater.
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It’s funny because I’m currently enrolled in a writing class and had to critique a fellow classmates short story about race car driving. I told him that I normally wouldn’t be interested in anything sports related unless there was a strong understory. Unfortunately, I don’t feel like my classmate offered one. Perhaps this movie does.
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Yes, it is 75 percent understory, if I were putting that on a scale, Marissa. Good comment to your classmate, my friend.
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Thanks Mark!
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We going to watch this tomorrow, feeling excited about it.
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I hope you enjoy the uplifting message, Dora.
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Sounds like my kind of movie, Mark. Thanks to you, now I’m ready for it. And two of my favorite sports films are “Bang the Drum Slowly” and “Bull Durham.” Perhaps I have a predisposition towards baseball films.
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Two good films there, Ann. I read ‘Bang the Drum Slowly’ and knew how sad it was before going to the theater, but DeNiro of course got me nevertheless.
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