Sure Kevin Costner turns in sound performances and usually scores well with critics…
Sadly though some of his more recent movies haven’t fared as well with the ticket buying public.
Both DRAFT DAY and BLACK OR WHITE under performed at the box office.
This weekend Mr. Costner returns to more familiar turf.
And with McFARLAND, USA he seems to be back in his element.
The movie is an inspirational underdog drama reminiscent of the likes of ROOKIE and BILLION DOLLAR ARM with shades of STAND AND DELIVER and THE BLIND SIDE.
So is is schmaltzy?
Sure, it is, but why shouldn’t it be?
After all, it is a TRUE story complete with an upbeat ending.
Set in 1987, Costner plays high school football coach Jim White who’s just been fired again for his anger management issues.
Is this the end of the road for the coach?
Almost! His only option now left is accepting the P.E. coaching position in predominantly Latino McFarland, California—a small farming community in the Central Valley.
They’ve got a football team there, but it’s a hopeless one.
But hey, Cross Country may be just the ticket!
Needless to say, both he and the students have a lot to learn. But sure enough the kids excel.
Through grit and determination—not to mention their exceptional running abilities—Costner transforms McFarland’s runners into state champs. A legacy for the community that’s continued on ever since.
Maria Bello & Kevin Costner
What we’ve got here is a small picture dealing with a culture clash of minority misfits. A true against all odds sports story that keeps the syrup in check.
It definitely showcases one of Kevin Costner’s best performances in some time.
Disney’s McFARLAND, USA, co-starring Maria Bello, opens citywide scoring a thumbs up B rating.
(Reviewed at AMC-Olathe)
JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES Friday mornings at 6:40 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. on 98.1-KMBZ-FM and anytime on Facebook.
Saw “Waterworld” on Netflix recently and didn’t think it was all that bad. But
Costner sure took a lot of crap over that one.