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The Mighty Macs
- Review Date: October 21, 2011
- G
- Genre: Drama
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Tame girls' basketball tale is sentimental but inspiring.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this family-friendly sports tale is based on the true story of Cathy Rush, who coached the basketball team of a tiny Catholic women's college near Philadelphia to national glory. There's nothing objectionable in this G-rated drama, but there are a couple of themes that may go over the head of very young viewers, like the mentions of feminism and marriage and college financing. But the actual story of the girls' practicing, becoming a cohesive team, and competing against area rivals should inspire kids to keep working hard to achieve their own athletic and personal goals, even if the odds don't seem in their favor.
What's the story?
Former collegiate basketball player Cathy Rush (Carla Gugino) takes a job building and coaching the basketball team of Immaculata, a tiny Catholic women's college near Philadelphia. As she begins to train the "Macs" for competition, Coach Rush receives invaluable help from a young nun, Sister Sunday (Marley Shelton), although the college's head nun, Mother St. John (Ellen Burstyn), is preoccupied with the college's dire finances. As the Macs go on a miraculous winning streak, they gain support from the administration and even Rush's husband, a professional NBA ref (David Boreanaz).
Is it any good?
Most sports movies are both inspirational and overly sentimental, and THE MIGHTY MACS is no exception on either count. In some ways, it's yet another example of the way that women in sports are relegated to the second string. If this story were about a pioneering men's team, chances are it would have had a major studio backing it, a considerable budget, and a period soundtrack filled with memorable tunes. Instead, Gugino has to carry the weight of the film accompanied by mostly unknown young actresses and a maudlin script of over-the-top pep talks.
But despite the constant and effusive "we're No. 1!" speeches, there's a definite charm and a powerful message to this movie that's good for girls to witness. What's more, it's refreshing to see nuns who aren't played for laughs or portrayed as unflinchingly stern instructors; instead, they're kind cheerleaders who genuinely care for the young women at their college. No, this isn't the equivalent of Hoosiers or Remember the Titans, but Gugino and her team are the kind of typically irresistible underdogs that you can't help but root for.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about women in sports. Why do you think there are more movies about men's teams than women's teams?
How far have women come since the early 1970s? How are women athletes more commonly accepted today?
Which characters in this movie are role models? How can you tell?
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Kid, 11 years old
October 23, 2011
AGE
amazing catholic movie
a few kisses but thats it THE BEST MOVIES!!!!!!!! great catholic movie
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AGE
Mighty macs R the best!!!!!!!
This is a very good. you have to have hope that this girls basketball team is wonderful. they are loosing and the nuns cheer them on. if you have hope and love basketball see this movie!!!!
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AGE
Mighty Mac-nificent!
We took our eight-year-old daughter to see "The Mighty Macs" and we all loved it. There were quite a few of us in the theater who cheered out loud for this team of young women who believed in themselves and achieved their goal even though everyone considered them the long-shot underdog! You don't find many films with positive role models for girls. "The Mighty Macs" delivers and you won't be disappointed. Nothing objectionable at all in this true story that will find a place in our DVD collection!
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AGE
Rudy meets Hoosiers
What a great inspiring movie! Appropriate and exciting enough for the whole family. Especially strong female role models, (and an unsung role model, the husband of the coach who clearly supports and respects his wife.)
The fact that it is based on a true story (although clearly touched up a little) will help in reenforcing the positive messages.
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts, great girl role models, misfits and underdogs |
| Studio: | Freestyle Releasing |
| Director: | Tim Chambers |
| Cast: | Carla Gugino, Ellen Burstyn, Marley Shelton |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 97 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 21, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | February 21, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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