McFarland, USA, is an excellent and inspiring film. One cannot help but see the film, a depiction of a true story, as a reflection of the American dream, and it is certainly that, considering that it is a story about a group of boys, living in an Hispanic farming community, who, with the help of their coach (Kostner) become champions in their field of running. Besides the warmth, humanity and principled aspect of the film, it touches on this contemporary subject of the American dream, can anyone actually live it, and of course, Kostner proves to these kids that they can. This dream is not only shared in America, it is shared by everyone, in every nation because the American dream is nothing more than the potential to dream high, and to have the opportunity to achieve it, and that message resonates throughout the movie. The ending is extremely touching - but no spoilers. The film should be required watching for any elected officials - reminding them why they are in office and who they serve.

This is one of the most engaging true stories I have ever seen. Kevin Costner plays a coach who gets fired and moves to a small town in California to coach football, and winds up forming the school's first ever cross country team. Costner was good in the role. It details his relationship with his family and the kids on the team, and inevitably how his dedication to his new job takes a toll on his family life. My favorite scenes were the practice scenes, the actual tournament scenes, the part where they see the ocean, the quicenerra scene, the part where the daughter is involved in a car accident, and the opening scene that makes him change jobs. If you are into true inspirational sports stories-this is the movie for you!*** out of ****

MacFarland is a gentle, pleasant sports drama that stars Kevin Costner as football coach, Jim White who after losing his job washes up in some small, dirt poor, dead end town full of Mexicans in a high school in McFarland.White and his family feel uncomfortable but discovers that his Hispanic pupils are talented runners but once the school day is over and even before school starts they are working in the local farms picking crops in order to earn enough money for their families.White inspires them and transforms them into cross country runners but they have to deal with antagonistic rival high school coaches and rich white kids with snide comments.Costner is now an old hand with sports themed movies. This has enough quirky charm as well as humour as an outsider who unearths genuine talent in this fact based story and at the same time becomes a valued member of the community.

In making this movie Kevin Costner stuck to the formula, the one that most feel good sports movies use, and made it work beautifully. There are no unexpected fancy twists in this one. The acting is straight up and solid. The ethnic background of the movie adds to the movie in good way. I enjoy a few of the scenes that involve the interactions between the coach or his family and the locals. They demonstrate how cultural interaction and familiarity can eliminate fear and breakdown the walls that divide us. Don't get me wrong, the movie is not trying to give you a social/cultural lecture, this stuff comes naturally mixed with the main story line.If you like the genre, you'll enjoy this movie.