Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Gordon Roach 02.19.15 / 4pm

   I think a major thing you forgot in this review was worth a mention that the town was poor low class Mexican Americans who’s fathers made their livings working on farms and relying on theyre sons for help at an early age. What did ring true about the film is the fact that all Jim White has to really say is you’re stronger then them. Where they come from theyve had to deal with harder things in life.
2. Nicole Renga 02.26.15 / 10am

   I am very interested in going to the theaters to see this movie. I have heard that Kevin Costner is a local from Santa Barbara so I think watching it would be a really great experience. I love the idea that Jim White, the main character and coach of the cross country team came to a poverty stricken town to give the kids something more instead of working on a farm all day. I love how you stated, “Don’t expect a big motivation speech because you wont find one. Instead, you will see the power only few words and how that is enough to get these people pumping faster blood.” Personally, the power of a few important words is much more influencing to me than a long in-depth speech. It sounds like a very moving, emotional film. I hate crying in movies but if I do, I know it must’ve been a good one.
3. dmcardenas1 03.07.15 / 1pm

   I’m usually not a big fan of sports movies. I find most of them boring and cliché. However, after hearing nothing but good things about McFarland, I feel like it would be somewhat naive of me not to see it. Being someone who lives in a small town just 30 minutes away from the location in which the film is titled, I remember hearing all the buzz about it when the trailer was released. I was really intrigued with the premise of the film. I like how you mentioned the absence of a big motivational speech because when I think of a stereotypical sport movie, that is the first thing that comes to mind. If a message is truly inspirational, there is no need for a long pep-talk. The film sounds incredible and I can’t wait to see it!
4. Isai Hernandez 03.12.15 / 12pm

   being a Mexican american I found it very interested in this film, I’ve never seen a sports movie based around cross country, but the added element of the location which is a poor town with low class Mexican Americans, showing there will be adversity that they will have to overcome, I found it something I could relate to, I like the that I would not here a long motivational speech which is apparent in every sports film, so I’m intrigued on how exactly they will portray inspirational moments and what the few words will be to inspire and motivate.
5. Kimberly Hackney 03.13.15 / 9am

   To me, this movie creates a mix of sports movies, cultural movies, and motivational movies. It reminds me of a hybrid between Coach Carter, Cesar Chavez, and Unbroken. It pleases me to see that Disney is making more inspirational and meaningful movies, based on real life. However, I do feel that this movie is a prime example of how racially condescending Caucasians have been throughout history. While we are making progress, as a white person, I personally feel we have a long ways to go. None the less, this movie definitely has popular culture appeal and I can see why others review it so highly.
6. cardenasluis4 03.13.15 / 6pm

   Good film review. I have only seen the trailers for this film, but i can tell it has a lot of life lessons in it. Being Mexican American i can relate to this film, working class parents, always working to make ends meat but in the end they are always appreciative of the non materialistic things. And its true that loves cures all because lets face it what good is it to have nice things without anyone to share it with. I also like the fact that there is no motivational speech because actions speak louder than words. In the end its what you have in your heart that will lead you to your goals. Very well written review.
7. kevin krzyston 03.13.15 / 10pm

   I really liked this movie for a change in pace in your average “motivational story”. It contained elements of the underdog and so on, but is not told with the cliché speeches and unnecessary montages. It also covers a topic and characters not often addressed in big budget films, poor Mexican-Americans. The rural setting is as you said beautifully shot and well executed. I think the bond between the coach, his family, and the team is all something the view can take home and apply to his or her own life. The motivation and words used were strong, and had more of an impact on me than a long speech would have. It really is “such a gorgeous written story to experience”.
8. Payton Milone 03.13.15 / 11pm

   I absolutely love true story films. I have not seen this particular one, but the reviews make it seem like a great one. A movie that links life lessons with sports is always something that can send a positive message to any age group. As someone who participates in sports myself, I can easily relate my motivation to these cross country athletes. A high budget film like this one covers a bunch of literary film techniques that low budget films may not establish. Being a minority as well, made me make ties into their passion with their culture set aside the culture they had to assimilate into. With identifying where you come from culturally, comes the courage to pursue dreams that may not be in the reach of our hands. A little faith and a little hope is all you need to accomplish tasks in life that seem to be impossible for most.
9. Brian Evans 03.15.15 / 9am

   I really enjoy films that are based on true stories and have an underlying meaning to them. I have not yet seen this movie however you review made me add it to my list. I am a fan of both running and making the best with what you have. This film seems to touch on both of these things so I am really looking forward to watching it. I think the one thing I would like to hear more about in the review is a little more of what the movie is about. Like the actual story instead of just the things you get from it. Overall though good review and you made me want to watch the film. Thanks for sharing.
10. John Salda 03.15.15 / 8pm

    I must say this is one of the most inspirational and motivational films I have seen in a long time. This movie not only gave me a curiosity due to the fact that I enjoy the nature of competition but as a cultural lever really showed the significance of intercultural communication. Even though this film did not have the highest budget it really achieved amazing core principles within the theme that you can achieve any goal you set your mind to and I believe the cast did an amazing job displaying the real emotion that comes with the competition of sports and was thrilled to have seen it and would also suggest it to many others.
11. taja levy 03.17.15 / 12pm

    From personal experience I absolutely loved this movie. I saw it in theaters the following weekend after its first showing. It pulled at my heart string because this film portrays the real true lives of Mexican Americans and their constant struggle. My own grandparents moved here from Mexico when they were very young and were immediately sent to work out in the fields with the rest of their families to make enough money to get by. This movie is very inspirational for any american, whether they are African American or Asian American, the power of strength and love and courage plays a major role in this film and shows how much of a difference it could make it someones life.
12. lbjohnson2 03.20.15 / 11am

    Wow! You have definitely motivated me to see this film. I have never heard of this film, but it sounds very exciting. I love your captivating introductory statements. I’m most captivated by your statement, “Instead, you will see the power only few words and how that is enough to get these people pumping faster blood”. Any film capable of this is definitely worth a watch. Thank you for your review.
13. Beatriz Gil 03.22.15 / 5pm

    The movie McFarland was an interesting film concept for me. Quite frankly when has anyone ever heard of a movie that has Mexican Americans and cross country in it. I watched the trailer for McFarland a couple of weeks ago and I am dying to go see it. To be honest with you I really dislike Disney movies and I especially dislike any type of movies related to sports. They all seem to be the same to me. They all have the same repetition and they’re super cliche. However from what I saw in the trailer,McFarland was different its a movie that focuses on the lives of kids that come from a lower class of society. A class of society that has often been shunned from movies. These kids were born to immigrant parents and as a Mexican American myself I believe that there needs to be more movies of these. Not just movies focused on the lives of Mexican Americans but Indian Americans,Chinese Americans and other Americans there are so many people that are first generation who are not portrayed in movies and that to me is quite sad because they make up a large population of the United States. The kids and the coach that were portrayed in the movie seem that they come from different backgrounds but they are united through cross-country.I cannot wait to see this film.
14. Ethan Cohen 03.22.15 / 6pm

    I saw this movie at its SB Film Festival premier when Kevin Costner and the supporting actors were there doing interviews and taking pictures. What I thought, first, was that it was a little bit light and had some cliche moments that took away from the film. Seeing this movie on screen with 1,000+ people cheering and shouting was also a unique experience (which I enjoyed) but helped make the movie more energetic than it really was. Because of this, I don’t think it would have the same appeal just watching it at home. Dislikes aside, I liked the heart of this movie and its overall message. Acting was good enough and the plot flowed at a reasonable pace. I also enjoyed the comedic moments of this film and how some of the actors were really from McFarland. In respect to your review, I think you did a good job pointing out what made this movie special and it was very clear and to the point. Good job!
15. WilmerBarraza 04.05.15 / 6pm

    I had no idea this film was based on a true story and based on your review it seems like an intriguing film. I will look forward to watching this movie when it releases on demand. I think a lot of sports movies are cliche and by the sound of it this movie is not cliche as much as the other films but I guess I will make up my own conclusion when I watch the movie. Based on your review and other peoples comments, the movie flows great and the acting seems to be good as well. The movie is big budgeted and based on your review the mise en scene and lighting is great.
16. Maria Lorenzana 06.06.15 / 2pm

    When the movie Mcfarland had their premiere in The Santa Barbara Film festival this past January, I was impressed by the promotion it had. It was the closing film of the festival, I thought that must it be a good movie to watch. When the movie came out I heard in a spanish radio station (Super Strella 107.1) a review of the movie, at the time when I heard the DJ to talked with so much pride of the film, I wanted to check it by myself. So when I saw the movie and being of a Mexican nationality I understood the radio host. The movie is a true story about Mcfarland, but to me there many Mcfarlads cities in United States. This movie portrayed exactly what a undocumented or immigrated family goes through, but not matter what the inclemencies or how unfortunate daily lives are, everyone who emmigrates to any place, its for the same meaning; a better live and a better future for their families.
17. Tucker Stone 06.07.15 / 10am

    This was a very interesting review. I am very interested in going to see this movie as I’ve seen its trailer on multiple occasions. It seems to be a very moving film with the fact that coach white brings together a group of less fortunate hispanic kids together to create a cross country team. Most these kids are required to spend their extra time attending to their fathers needs and to help aid them in the fields. This helps the family make a living and ensure the daily duties are completed. This is a very interesting story and it seems the art elements that I could see from the trailer are very intense as well. They do a solid job of portraying intense running scenes where it seems the hispanic males are giving everything they got for their team.
18. Tomas Unden 06.07.15 / 1pm

    I really enjoyed Mcfarland USA. I had not heard of the story before and was not expecting much since Costner is not making the films he used to. Fortunately the script was perfect for him and he played the coach very convincingly. Costner went to mcfarland to teach football but after disagreeing with the current coach saw an opportunity for cross country. The coach not only created a competitive package but also gave the kids hope and new meaning. The team were ridiculed at first but creative training technique and sheer spirit made them state champions laying the basis to one of the most successful running programs in America.
19. Keri Parsons 06.11.15 / 11pm

    I saw this movie, too, and found it very inspirational. You don’t have to be into sports to like it. I think your review accurately describes how it is based on a true story and is very motivational. It didn’t need gimmicks like Keaton’s trajectory gags or Griffith’s damsel in distress–it is just a good story that stands on its own. we It didn’t have special effects or fancy filming techniques like many movies. It seemed like a vey wholesome movie for the whole family with a great message about acceptance and the importance of community. I would recommend this film to everyone!
20. nicole elias 06.16.15 / 5pm

    Furkan,
    I love how you began your review with what seemed like a selling pitch, not only was it entertaining for a change but it was concise and straight to the point. This seems like a classic motivational film yet even more interesting to know it is a true story. I agree with you that although the film may portray the less fortunate without material items it is the people with more money who are the less fortunate to live without true friendship and love. I really enjoyed your review.
21. Wallace Swanson 11.20.15 / 7pm

    I have not watched this film yet but this review has sparked my interest. I love watching feel good films with my parents so I might get this and watch it with them this coming thanksgiving. From watching the trailer it seems like a realistic sports movie story that will leave the viewer feeling motivated and entertained. I also am a big fan of Disney films, so finding out that this film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures made me even more interested. I also recognised on elf the actors in the preview Carlos Pratts from his previous work on one of the Paranormal Activity films.
22. Monique Beltran 07.16.16 / 3am

    McFarland, USA hits close to home in every way possible. My hometown is next to McFarland so I am very familiar with the way of life shown in the film. I’m actually writing this as I hear my dad get ready for another day of work in the fields. My 10th grade Spanish teacher lived in McFarland and would always tell the class about how they were actually filming in McFarland and some of the extras in the film are actual McFarland residents. I became quite emotional when I watched the movie because I can relate to the struggles to boys face. When you live in a Mexican-American, impoverished community it often times seems impossible to ever get anywhere because you truly do feel like the odds are against you but when the right people (like Coach White) come around to inspire and motivate, great things happen. I’m glad the director didn’t try to fancy it up, he kept it very authentic and genuine. I would love to see more movies like this.
23. Charlie Figueroa 10.16.20 / 7pm

    McFarland, USA was a very interesting movie to watch and is definately a feel good film. The characters in this film do a really good job at making everything seem as accurate as possible, since this movie is based on a true story. Movies like this make you feel some type of emotion towards the characters and what transpires. I liked how in this review it is sort of a sales pitch at the begining, trying to convince the readers to watch the movie as soon as possible. The reviewer gives the reader reasons to watch the movie which I also thought was pretty clever. Overall this movie is a really great one and will forever be a feel good one.
24. Julianna Madrigal 03.04.21 / 4pm

    McFarland USA has been a favorite of mine for quite sometime now. I have always enjoyed watching films that were based on true stories, so it was no surprise that I liked this one as well. The mise-en-scène works very well in this film. The actors, costumes, and sets/scenery in this film look very authentic. I was pleased to see that Disney was able to portray field hands in a positive way. Showing how much time and energy the workers put in just to barely make anything. This film is very inspiring and it shows that you can achieve whatever you are passionate about no matter where you come from, what you look like, and what social status you may have.
25. Andrea Georgieva 07.16.22 / 7pm

    I watched McFarland a few years ago and loved it so when I saw this review had to click on it and completely agree. The progression of the film is great from a small lower-class town being put on the map for cross country. Even the way the coach grows throughout the film from his negative expectation to helping the kids he coaches become better versions of themselves is very inspiring. I enjoyed that you mentioned how long motivational speeches are not only needed because the language and passion the coach shows to want his team to excel is enough. A specific scene I remember is in one of their first training, the coach using mounds of almonds to strengthen their stamina and make train them to be great runners.

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