On Tuesday, March 8, 2016, “McFarland,” the moving true story of a group of Hispanic teenagers and their coach, will be the featured film, at Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL. Produced by Disney in 2015, it is an uplifting and inspirational tale of a team of misfits who defy the odds. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. There is no charge; however, donations are welcome.
The town of the title lies in the San Joaquin Valley, an agriculture region of central California. Kevin Costner plays Jim White, who in 1987 leaves Boise, ID, with his family to relocate in McFarland. There, in a largely Latino community, the Whites are faced with finding their friends and their place in this land of low-riders and hot, hot sun.
Jim butts heads with his high school colleagues, and his future looks to be short term. He realizes raw, running talent surrounds him. The boys with the stamina and stuff of champions are the sons of farm laborers and pickers. Even though the Whites and the Latino community aren’t enthusiastic about each other, a mutual respect and friendship begins to grow. The town opens its arms to the strange idea of supporting a “local sports team.”
For his part, Coach White strives to better understand the hard-working Latino culture. He adjusts his coaching demands to the lifestyle of the McFarland families and the high schoolers. We see them work their legs off to improve their running times–and the rest of their lives, too.
Costner is excellent in the inspirational tale of a coach in a workingman’s environment. He brings compassion to character and is the glue that holds the film together.
“McFarland” is a story of family and community. It is also a story of the so-called “American Dream” of the United States. Although tinged with disillusionment and corruption, it remains a land of opportunity for millions of people who come here do to back-breaking work, day in and day out.
I hope to see you on Tuesday, March 8!