Run to see McFarland USA open in theaters across the USA today! 
When Coach White moves to “McFarland, USA” with his wife and daughters in 1987 he had no idea that he would no longer be coaching football and that he would learn to coach cross country. “McFarland, USA” is based on a true story, based on how an unlikely band of misfits, under-equipped, no experience, Mexican-American runners with exceptional skill and drive will rise to become cross-country state champions under the direction of their coach Jim White. When you see this group of guys you’ll instantly think the same thing that I did. They don’t look like runners, NO WAY!
Imagine being Coach White and moving to McFarland USA where your first gift from a neighbor is of the animal kind. What would you think? Would you run?
You watch as Coach Jim White recruits these boys to the team by any means necessary, including but not limited to the modern day equivalent of blackmail. Bribery is totally allowed. Gatorade, food, etc. Whatever works. He sees the potential that these boys have because unlike spoiled, rich kids with cars at 16 these boys used their feet as their mode of transportation.
HAHA You will see Coach White’s wife and daughter’s form new friendships when they originally believe their father took a job in Mexico. I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll say you absolutely need to RUN TO MCFARLAND USA TODAY! Not the town, unless you’re close by, the movie. 
Here are some fun facts for you.
Since their first cross-country state championship they have won nine cross-country state championships and McFarland is considered a powerhouse school when it comes to cross country. Jim White has since retired, but if you go to McFarland on any given day you’ll probably see him riding around on his bike along with several members of his original team. The former teammates raise their families in their hometown and actively support the cross-country teams today by coaching and helping out with the meets and practices. They also donate goods or money to make sure the team has the equipment that they need and some are even educators there.
Three of the seven actors are actually from McFarland. Sergio Avelar plays Victor Puentes and Michael Aguero who plays Damacio Diaz are actual runners. Ramiro Rodriguez plays Danny Diaz, and while a champion soccer player, he has you rooting for him from the time he makes the team as a runner in McFarland, USA. He didn’t intend to audition when he agreed to drive his cousin to the casting tryouts. After relentless pestering from executive producer Mario Iscovich to audition, he was cast as Danny Diaz. 
Thomas Valles actually coached Sergio Avelar who is a member of the McFarland Track Club. He’s been running since 2001.
Actor Rafael Martinez who is soft-spoken and polite admits he cut school to audition for the movie. Since he won a role, he has no regrets.
They nicknamed Kevin Costner “KC” much like Coach Jim White was nicknamed “Blanco.”
Just like the real McFarland team, they made all seven actors train to become champion runners. Mark Ellis was the coach hired to train them, had them up at 8 a.m. for practice, which consisted of running and more running to build up endurance. I’m tired just thinking about it.
While Thomas Valles, was a natural runner with prodicious talent, the reverse was true for Pratts who zealously prepared for the cross-country scenes and became a runner in the process. In addition to drills with Mark Ellis, he worked out with Brian Nguyen too. You know that guy that made Mark Wahlberg super hot for “The Fighter” and likewise for Pratts. He’s totally adorable, not hot. (He could be my kid people!)
You will see the Griffith Observatory in the movie. Ask my exchange student from Chile how fun walking up that hill was! They don’t walk up that hill, they run up that hill. OUCH!
The embankments of almonds covered in protective plastic that serve as training hills for the cross-country team is certainly emblematic of McFarland, home to Blue Diamond Almonds.
Classic lowriders are featured in “McFarland, USA” in multiple scenes throughout the movie. Lowriding was huge in the Central Valley of California in the mid-’80s with Bakersfield being of the lowriding epicenters of the area. Most of us stereotypically associate lowriding with gangster related activity but in reality these car clubs are about family and community and their cars are lovingly treasured.
Director Niki Caro took a huge interest in the “hero-car” lowrider vehicle and not just in the service of the movie. The car is actually hers and she likes to drive her 1970s Chevrolet Caprice, which was customized to the movie’s specifications. The beautiful classic features an iconic chain steering wheel and a mural on the hood that is in the likeness of the owner’s girlfriend in the film, Lupe. The painting is in the style of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which is an ongoing visual theme in the movie.
Honestly, watch the trailer and go see this movie today. A huge shout out to my Mexican American Family and friends. I love you all. Happy Birthday Erandi, perhaps I should take you to see this.
YouTube: http://youtu.be/j-VAOlHGE6Q
Follow McFARLAND, USA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcfarlandusa
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McFARLAND, USA is rated PG and is now playing in theatres everywhere!
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