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There is no doubt in my family’s mind what my most favorite movie of the year is. McFarland, USA wins hands down. I have loved this movie ever since first seeing it way back in November. When it came to theaters, I took 15 family members to see it. Y’all, I LOVE this movie!
McFarland USA
Now, I can literally watch McFarland, USA whenever I want since it is on Blu-Ray (as well as Disney Movies Anywhere). I giggle when I know a fun part is coming up and cry before cued. Plus, I still cheer on Danny by jumping, clapping and yelling… from the comfort of my couch. Colby laughs at me and the kids often join in. It has become a family favorite and the girls ask to watch it more than I do.
With that, let me tell you 3 reasons to bring home McFarland, USA:
Feel Good
I love a heartwarming feel good movie. And this is definitely that! Honestly, I think Kevin Costner summarized it well in our interview with him when he said,
“There was so much more about the movie than the finish line. The finish line is for them. You can give young people something to shoot for, and what we realize watching this movie, is that when we do, they can somehow exceed beyond their own expectations. We realize that it’s actually in front of all our children.”
There you go. It’s much more than just another “sports movie.”
The Cast
Again, I absolutely adore the cast of this film! Every single one of them. The 7 runners in the movie truly captured my heart and I still enjoy following them in their present endeavors. Considering most of them had no previous experience, or very little, acting, they did an amazing job! Each time I watch the movie, I am once again in awe of their talent. And seeing them fresh and new in McFarland, USA, you truly fall in love with the character and have no preconceived notions on who they are. Follow them and see what they are up to now:
Side note: After the interviews, I reached out to Rafael Martinez via Twitter to ask a couple more questions. We quickly became friends and he is still (March 2018) good friends with my family. He has come to visit us twice in Texas and we visit him any time we’re in LA. You won’t find him on social media currently because he is focusing on other things.
Importance of Family
Three of the seven runners are brothers and spend early mornings and late nights working for their dad. Their mom, played by Diana Maria Riva, makes sure the family is fed and the boys are ready to work as well as at school on time. Meeting the real-life Diaz brothers, they talked about how much they love and appreciate their parents. They know why they made them work so hard and are grateful for the lessons they were taught in their youth.
Today, Coach White still lives in the small town of McFarland with his wife. The Diaz brothers are each landowners… in McFarland. They raise their families in the same familiar community they grew up in. They feel as though they have the “village” there to support them and they offer their services back to the town. Why? Because that is what families do.
Finally, Director Niki Caro sums it up with this,
“The central idea of this movie is that this is not a big white guy saving brown people… but a flawed guy that is redeemed as a coach, as a father, as a human being by these kids… and by their community.”
Grab McFarland, USA on Blu-ray and share it with your family today!