A track coach in a small California town transforms a team of athletes into championship contenders.
Kevin Costner
Jim White
Ramiro Rodriguez
Danny Diaz
Maria Bello
Cheryl White
Johnny Ortiz
Jose Cardenas
Diana Maria Riva
Señora Diaz
Elsie Fisher
Jamie White
Valente Rodriguez
Principal Camillo
Morgan Saylor
Julie White
Martha Higareda
Lupe
Carlos Pratts
Thomas Valles
Rafael Martinez
David Diaz
Hector Duran
Johnny Sameniego
Sergio Avelar
Victor Puentes
Michael Aguero
Damacio Diaz
Omar Leyva
Señor Diaz
Danny Mora
Sammy Rosaldo
Ben Hernandez Bray
Ernesto Valles
Vanessa Martinez
Maria Marisol
Adriana Diaz Chapa
Laura
Rigo Sanchez
Javi
Natalia Cordova-Buckley
Señora Valles
Chris Ellis Jr.
Coach Jenks
Eloy Casados
Dale Padilla
Josh Clark
Coach Jameson
Chelsea Rendon
Sonia Rosaldo
Daniel Moncada
Eddie
Ashley Bravo
Lola Valles
Chad Mountain
Clovis Coach
J. Downing
Race Official (State)
Brian Connors
Park Aide
Alex MacNicoll
Fitz Mitchell
Vincent Martella
Brandon
Michael Tong
Hunter - Centennial Runner
Baxter Frick
Blowdry - Stevens Creek Runner
Regi Davis
Centennial Coach
Juana Flores
Señora Soto
Connor Weil
Palo Alto Runner #1
Tyler Sellers
Palo Alto Runner #2
Anthony Renaud
Starter (Race #1)
Brian Hayes Currie
Stevens Creek Coach
Sarah Benoit
Principal Camillo's Assistant
Isabelle Ortega
School Librarian
Jorge Luis Padilla
Young Cholo
Salvador Velez
Player #1
Isaiah Gonzales
Player #2
Catherine Toribio
Flirting Girl #1
Rosa Ochoa
Flirting Girl #2
Rebecca Silva
Grandmother Valles
John Funk
Centennial Assistant Coach
Sean O'Connell
Morro Bay Coach
Jeffrey Sheller
Palo Alto Assistant Coach
Mariachi Sol de Mexico
Mariachi Band
Alfredo Lopez
Mariachi Singer
Jackie Di Crystal
Teacher (uncredited)
Mariann Gavelo
Low Rider Cover Girl (uncredited)
Director
Niki Caro
Screenplay
Grant Thompson
Screenplay
Christopher Cleveland
Screenplay
Bettina Gilois
July 24, 2016
8
> It's just a matter of when, one to find his place to fit in.
Nothing wrong to call it an another version of 'Spare Parts', but it dealt with a different subject. It is a biographical-sport film, about a running race team involving seven high school students from one of the poorest towns in America, McFarland. But the tale begins with the coach Jim White, who finally arrives with his family there after got fired frequently in the other cities. Not intended to stay for a long period, but he has no other choice. He finds hard to fit in the society and get along with his students, but he manages to get going when he forms a team for the upcoming cross-country running race. So their journey puts the small town on the map.
A very inspiring film, not just sports personalities, but anyone who wants to achieve in life should see it. So a must see film for the students and the youngsters. It is not just about the sport, but culture and society. The first act was an introduction, where and how everyone comes together was revealed. Followed by the middle part focused more on the game. Getting prepared for it and facing other troubles that stands obstacle to it. And finally in the third act, it kind of loses what originally intended as a theme, but brings the social matter into it before getting back to where it belongs to curtain.
There was lots of modification in the cinema version compared to the original story. Characters, locations, events, all were kind of randomised from the actuality to the different timelines just to tell a good story. After all, this is a Disney film and Disney always seeks a decent family theme, yet it still remains true to the real. From the New Zealand director of 'Whale Rider' fame, another brilliant film. Apart from the super Kevin Costner and his family, the rest of the cast was so perfect. One of the best sport-dramas of the year and Disney done it again. You no need to analyse it to choose, just go for it and it won't disappoint you.
8/10