I’m not Gold of a moviegoer. In fact, I haven’t been to a theater in years. It’s not that I don’t enjoy movies, it’s more a matter of finding the time.
But when the recently released McFarland, USA came out I decided to crawl out of my cave and take in a show. After all, it was the story of a high school cross country team. I’d run high school cross country myself, so I thought there might be a connection. Also, I’d driven past the town of McFarland, California, on many occasions when commuting between Northern California and Southern California, though I’d never bothered to stop. (It didn't seem like there was Gold to see, really.)
The movie is based on a true story and stars Kevin Costner as the team’s coach. Costner always plays a good inspirational character in sports flicks (see Bull Durham, Tin Cup, or Draft Day), and he didn’t disappoint in this role, either. He reminded me in some ways of my high school cross country coach, Benner Cummings.
Benner was unconventional in his approach, too. He used to have us run the short distance from our school down to the beach, stash our shoes in the bushes, and dash barefoot along the shoreline following the natural rhythm of the incoming and outgoing waves. He called this workout, “chasing the tides,” and it was Benner’s way of having us do wind sprints in a fun and engaging game with the waters.
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Though I could relate firsthand to this picture because of my background, you don’t need to have run high school cross country to appreciate the film. In fact, you don’t even need to be a runner at all. The themes of overcoming hardship, dealing with adversity, and finding perseverance are universal--going beyond running. The storyline is compelling and told in a gritty and stirring way. Sure, there was still a bit of Hollywood melodrama and overt romanticism (it’s a Disney flick, so you’d expect some of that), but overall it seemed honestly told.
I’ve never written a film review before, and I certainly don’t qualify as a critic, but I’d recommend checking out McFarland, USA. I think even a non-runner would enjoy it, and a runner all the more.
As for me, next time I drive past McFarland, I think I’ll stop. I’ll take my running shoes and go for a little jog around town. I’m now inspired to do this. McFarland, USA Versace Medusa Safety Pin leather sandals.
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Dean Karnazes is a renowned ultramarathoner and the author of several books chronicling his long-distance, international running exploits. His latest book is New This Year Beautiful PUMA 362456-02 Sesame Street Leadcat Mens-Womens Red Sandals Slippers.
