McFarland USA Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide

Is Disney’s based on a true story sports film ok for children? McFarland USA Movie Review | Safe for Kids? #McFarlandUSA Full parent review of the Disney based on a true story film, no spoilers!

McFarland USA Movie Review | Safe for Kids? #McFarlandUSA

There are feel good movies. There are inspiring movies. Then there are movies that stick with you for a lifetime.

McFarland USA is a movie that I have been longing to see. A movie that’s uplifting, encouraging and simply amazing. Be prepared for those signature Disney tears in the eyes and lump in the throat as we “run” into this review (bad pun, but I’m keeping it), including whether you should take the kids to see this one.

The Story

A movie “based on a true story” is Disney’s specialty. Finding the underdog and the diamond in the rough (thanks, Aladdin), Disney has a flair for bringing out the extraordinary in a film. This is definitely one of those movies. Don’t let the name of the movie sway you. The character development, the raw emotions, the pain (beyond the physical) is portrayed beautifully. You really “get” what McFarland is, making the small town a character within itself. Kevin Costner, while certainly a desirable lure to get folks into the seats, actually is a supporting actor to the real stars.

The unknowns, aka the McFarland high school runners, rise up as the heroes. Their story is what keeps me in the seat. Simply amazing choices for “boys.” Be sure to stay until the end to get the updates on the REAL characters from the story. I love how they seamlessly weaved the real-life heroes into the film with updates on where they are now.

Should my kids see McFarland USA?

This is an instance where Disney does a great job in providing the most story and character development, while still maintaining the integrity of family-friendliness. There are no swear words. There is inferred but not seen violence as a result of a “gang” type fight.

There is a moment when Kevin Costner is having a chat with someone, and that person is being loaded into an ambulance with blood on the stomach portion of his shirt. With that being said, I understand how much the director was trying to convey McFarland as a character itself.

But would I take my 6 year old son to see this movie? Absolutely. The little ones used to cartoons may become bored quickly, but overall, I definitely think this is a family-night worth bringing the whole gang.

There’s so many great values to take away from this film, that I want my children to see. Hard work. Dedication. Teamwork. Family. Hope. Reaching for your dreams. Reaching beyond your dreams.

Even more inspiring than the movie itself was the audience I was surrounded with. Families. Coaches and teams. People looking for hope in a negative society, looking for somewhere to belong. McFarland USA is that movie. Restoring my faith in good people, humanity and the extraordinary, I left the theater that night excited for tomorrow, my children’s dreams and the unknown.

McFarland USA, it’s the movie you didn’t know that you needed to see. Genuine. Honest. Real. Heart-warming. Moving. Inspiring. Whether a sports fan or a mom or a person just looking for direction, this movie provides hope for the average you and me.

My fave scene of the movie. Ironically one of the hardest film shooting days.

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Follow along the movie buzz with hashtag #McFarlandUSA too 🙂 I can’t believe this is my last sneak peek Disney movie before my Cinderella Red Carpet Premiere!

MCFARLAND, USA opens in theaters everywhere starting today, February 20, 2015!

Will you be taking your family to see McFarland USA?

Disclosure ~ I attended a media screening of this movie in exchange for this McFarland USA Movie Review | Safe for Kids? #McFarlandUSA post. All opinions are my own. Be sure to follow Saving Said Simply for more reviews, giveaways and more.