McFarland USA-Kids’ Movie Review

Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland USA follows the life of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner). Jim has a hard time keeping a teaching/coaching job, as his temper gets the best of him. Eventually Jim and his family head to McFarland, Ca, an impoverished agricultural community, where he accepts a job teaching Science and PE. Jim sees the potential of these hard-working Latino boys, and starts a cross country team. Jim not only coaches these boys to become better athletes, he instills some valuable lessons that change their lives forever.

Rating: 5 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: June 2, 2015
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 10+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will It Appeal to Most Kids? Yes

Talking Points:

There are wonderful messages and inspirational scenes. Initially the Whites are uneasy about their new environment, and the Latino community feels the same about their new arrival. However, both cultures learn to accept and appreciate each other. Great parent/child conversation.
Coach White stresses the importance of school and attending college.
Young kids may get bored, as it is slow in parts.

Sexual Content: Mild

There’s talk of a teenage girl who got pregnant out of wedlock.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild

We see a guy wearing a bloodied t-shirt after getting into a fight. The fight is off-screen.

Crude or Profane Language: Mild

We hear “d–n,” and “a-s.”

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

Characters are shown drinking beer and tequila.

Will Kids Like It? Yes

I interviewed a group of middle school age boys who really liked the film. They run cross country, and said they can relate to the strenuous work outs.

Overall this is a wonderful inspirational sports drama, one for the whole family.