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Kevin Costner Inspires In Trailer For Sports Drama McFarland, USA

Kevin Costner is heading back to the field to inspire a bunch of high-schoolers in McFarland, USA. Disney, who've carved out a name for themselves in the saccharine sports sub-genre, are behind this latest true life story, which is set in Central Valley, California.

Kevin Costner is heading back to the field to inspire a bunch of high-schoolers in McFarland, USA. Disney, who’ve carved out a name for themselves in the saccharine sports sub-genre, are behind this latest true life story, which is set in Central Valley, California.

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Based on events that took place in 1987, the film follows a team of fledgling runners in a predominantly Latino high school. The arrival of new sports coach, Jim White (Costner), kickstarts a new era for the students, who together with their leader create a cross-country team. Along the way, they all learn that in order to achieve success, you must work together.

It’s not the most out-of-the-box storyline – an outsider rallies together a bunch of supposed no-hopers – but under the direction of Niki Caro (Whale Rider, North Country), it just might be. Caro’s reputation and eye for the details means this has the potential to rise above countless other flighty sports dramas. This first trailer, courtesy of Yahoo, points toward a heart-warming tale of rising underdogs that looks a little predictable but well-intentioned.

McFarland, USA opens on February 20th, 2015. Check out the trailer above and plot summary below and let us know what you think.

Inspired by the 1987 true story, “McFarland, USA” follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.