McFarland: when Disney continues to have "cojones"

The use of the Spanish word "cojones" which everyone knows the meaning, can surprise. But you will see that it is perfectly appropriate and fits into the evolution initiated by the mouse studios from The Snow Queen.

McFarland is in addition to the film's title, the name of a small California town that goes unnoticed alongside LA, San Francisco and San Diego, and on which white wrinkle the nose. Why? Because, you see, McFarland is the residence of a large Latino community (and I'm not talking about illegal immigration), composed of working families in the fruit and vegetable fields. Without these collectors, you would not eat your California oranges in winter, just as you would your fresh vegetables throughout the year.

It is in this city, where the high school is adjacent to the prison, what Jim White (Kevin Costner in a role that fits him like a glove), his wife Cheryl (Maria Bello, which forms a perfect couple with actor) and their two daughters, Julie (Morgan Saylor) and Jamie (Elsie Fisher).

It is a kind of punishment if gym teacher is found here. As he did not mince words in the place of the students who do not meet his demands, he did kindly send all schools where he worked before.

Obviously, the first few weeks are tough, because he (and his family) abroad, who must adapt to the customs of others, including the food, the roosters in the courts and religious iconography adorning the walls of his house. But as he has a good heart, Jim realizes immediately that young people with his charge are not stigmatized by the losing coach - white, of course - the football team.

Thomas (Carlos Pratts, seen in the American series The Bridge), in particular, pat him in the eye. For the young spends his time running, fast and well. Hence the idea of ​​creating a cross team that deserves to capitalize on the strengths of its students. So many young enlisted and began to discover their life.

The kids get up at 4 am to help their families in the fields, they are doomed to replicate the parent model if they want to eat. Prison or gathering, this is the choice of the young, they have other skills or not. But Jim White denies this and wants to exploit the full potential of its students. It is committed to excellence and the regional championship.

That's what I like sports dramas well put together, as was a start to a million, also a Disney film, released last year and starring Jon Hamm. Sport is the great social equalizer, the one that allowed African Americans (for basketball in the beginning) to get out of their situation of children and grandchildren of slaves and allow to "push" desegregation.

The McFarland subtext is the same, the scene in which all Latinos get their hands on their heart on hearing the American national anthem is a great lesson of integration and tolerance.

It is rare (if not non-existent) to see Latinos portrayed differently in an illegal immigration or drug cartel context. So hats off to Disney to have the "cojones" to launch a social debate primer (while courting moviegoers this culture, what Vin Diesel manages to make with great success) while delivering a highly inspiring story (yes, was tied throat) that will please the whole family.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5