60
Metascore
32 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80TheWrapJames RocchiTheWrapJames RocchiA feel-good movie that earns all those good feelings, McFarland, USA might be running on a predetermined track, but the heart it shows along the journey is what makes it a winner.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterStephen FarberThe Hollywood ReporterStephen FarberWhile the beats of the story are often stock, the picture benefits from sensitive direction by New Zealander Niki Caro (Whale Rider, North Country) and from a most appealing performance by Kevin Costner.
- 67Austin ChronicleMarc SavlovAustin ChronicleMarc SavlovSet in 1987, this inspirational Disney sports film (that’s a niche, but a growing one) hits all the schmaltzy, sappy notes you’d expect, but never falls to its knees under the burden.
- 63Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreMcFarland is old-fashioned without being dull, pandering without feeling cloying or racist.
- 60VarietyJustin ChangVarietyJustin ChangA rare studio entertainment featuring a largely Latino ensemble, yet necessarily fronted by a big-name draw like Costner, McFarland, USA feels at once mildly progressive and unavoidably retrograde.
- 60The GuardianJordan HoffmanThe GuardianJordan HoffmanThere’s more to this movie than sweeping music and celebrating in slow motion. It all stems from Costner’s remarkable, taciturn performance as Coach White.
- 60Village VoiceAlan ScherstuhlVillage VoiceAlan ScherstuhlIt works, kind of, despite its broadness, its obviousness, and its howlingly awful opening.
- 58The A.V. ClubJesse HassengerThe A.V. ClubJesse HassengerOf course, it would be even nicer to see this story from a student athlete’s point of view. Beyond the representation issue, it might allow the movie to eliminate its dull and unevenly developed scenes.
- 50Slant MagazineChris CabinSlant MagazineChris CabinIf there's a general air of emotional authenticity woven throughout all this garden-variety, faith-in-family hokum, it's in the racing scenes.
- 50New York PostSara StewartNew York PostSara StewartDirector Niki Caro, whose 2005 film “North Country” gave creative life to another true story, doesn’t allow this one enough narrative twists; it starts off at point A and heads straight for point B, much like one of its many racing scenes.