McFarland, USA

2015, Biography/Drama, 2h 9m

133 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Disney's inspirational sports drama formula might be old hat, but McFarland, USA proves it still works -- especially with a talented director and eminently likable star in the mix. Read critic reviews

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McFarland, USA Photos

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Movie Info

Track coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is a newcomer to a predominantly Latino high-school in California's Central Valley. Coach White and his new students find that they have much to learn about one another, but things begin to change when White realizes the boys' exceptional running ability. More than just physical prowess drives the teens to succeed; their strong family ties, incredible work ethic and commitment to their team all play a factor in forging these novice runners into champions.
  • Rating:
    PG (Some Violence|Language|Thematic Material)
  • Genre:
    Biography, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Niki Caro
  • Producer:
    Gordon Gray, Mark Ciardi
  • Writer:
    Christopher Cleveland, Bettina Gilois, Grant Thompson
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $44.5M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Walt Disney
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby Digital

Cast & Crew

Kevin Costner
Jim White
Maria Bello
Cheryl White
Morgan Saylor
Julie White
Michael Aguero
Damacio Diaz
Sergio Avelar
Victor Puentes
Hector Duran
Johnny Sameniego
Rafael Martinez
David Diaz
Martha Higareda
Lupe
Johnny Ortiz
Jose Cardenas
Carlos Pratts
Thomas Valles
Ramiro Rodriguez
Danny Diaz
Danny Mora
Sammy
Valente Rodriguez
Principal Camillo
Vanessa Martinez
Maria Marsol
Dianna Maria Riva
Senora Diaz
Niki Caro
Director
Christopher Cleveland
Screenwriter
Bettina Gilois
Screenwriter
Grant Thompson
Screenwriter
Gordon Gray
Producer
Mark Ciardi
Producer
Mario Iscovich
Executive Producer
Mary Martin
Executive Producer
Adam Arkapaw
Cinematography
David Coulson
Film Editing
Antonio Pinto
Original Music
Richard Hoover
Production Design
Karen Steward
Supervising Art Direction
Alice Baker
Set Decoration
Sophie de Rakoff
Costume Design
Sheila Jaffe
Casting
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Critic Reviews for McFarland, USA

All Critics (133) | Top Critics (48) | Fresh (107) | Rotten (26)
Full Review… Brandon Ambrosino Vox Full Review… Geoffrey Macnab Independent (UK) Full Review… Kevin Maher Times (UK) Full Review… Tim Robey Daily Telegraph (UK) Full Review… Mike McCahill Guardian Full Review… Ian Freer Empire Magazine Full Review… Richard Crouse Richard Crouse Full Review… Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Full Review… Allen Almachar The MacGuffin Full Review… Dan Scully Cinema76 Full Review… Christie Cronan Raising Whasians Full Review… Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens
View All Critic Reviews (133)

Audience Reviews for McFarland, USA

  • Jun 19, 2016
    McFarland USA undeniably means well. It's sweet and charming, but like most inspirational sports movies, there is not a single surprise or unpredictable story beat in this film. It is very much an underdogs rising up to victory tale. The script also falls flat with the scenes involving Costner's wife, feeling awkward and labored. McFarland USA will choke up undemanding viewers, but there isn't enough in it to be remembered as a great sports film. Rating: 59
    Bradley J Super Reviewer
  • Mar 01, 2016
    A great feel good sports story with the right amount of drama, humor, and the true story it was based upon
    Kameron W Super Reviewer
  • Feb 10, 2016
    Disney hits the right notes with this based on true events sports drama in which Costner proves he still has acting ability and the story is uplifting and moving. The young actors are all talented and Maria Bello has some nice moments as Costner's supportive wife. Director Niki Caro paces the film extremely well and the photography is stunning. A true feel good movie! 02-02-2016
    Christopher O Super Reviewer
  • Sep 06, 2015
    An excellent, realistic but feel-good film. This is another classic sports film from Disney that will make you feel a range of emotions. You will be rooting for this team so hard by the end of the film. Check this movie out.
    Stephen S Super Reviewer
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