The Mighty Macs- A Movie Preview
Recently, I got the amazing opportunity to review to check out The Mighty Macs- a movie that is coming out in theaters on Friday the 21st.
Just in case you haven't seen the previews, here's what the movie is about:
The pros: My whole family liked this movie. I'm not even a big sports person, but the story is so well written, and the coach's inspiration is so amazing, that it was really a great story to watch. It's wonderful to watch what happens when the coach dreams big, and the players learn to believe that it's possible. And the fact that it's based on a true story was the icing on the cake for my kids.
The cons: The movie is rated "G", but apparently "G" allows for things I wouldn't think it did. I'm fairly certain at one point the coach mentions "a cold day in h*ll", but she says the real word. And as a Christian, I know h*ll is a real place, but not a word I expect to hear in a "G" movie. It also had some scenes and innuendo that made me cringe with my kids in the room, like when the coach and Sister Sunday stop off in a bar, and a man buys them drinks. Since the Sister is not in her habit, he hits on her (well, really he hits on them both), and she says she is in a relationship. He asks what her significant other does, and she says he's a carpenter. The guy then makes a comment about her significant other "being good with his hands then". Ummm, I know I'm prudish, but that's God we're talking about! And I don't appreciate the "good with his hands" reference in a G rated movie my kids are watching.
The bottom line: Despite what I said above, the movie is really very good. It has a very strong Christian message, as well as always emphasizing a focus on the "team" not the individual. It reminds us that where we come from and what we have (or don't have) is NOT what defines us. Nor are we limited by what other people believe us capable of. And it shows how the Lord really works in mysterious ways. I would definitely recommend it, but I'd keep in mind that it might not be suitable for some children (although I have to say the things I mentioned went right over my kids' heads- I was just disappointed they were even included in the movie).
For more information about The Mighty Macs, you can visit their website, or their Facebook page, or twitter, or watch this preview from YouTube:
Legal Disclaimer: As a reviewer for Propeller, I received the ability to screen The Mighty Macs at home for the purpose of writing this review. That viewing was the only compensation I received.
Just in case you haven't seen the previews, here's what the movie is about:
It's 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time ... and she's about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women's basketball.
In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women's Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.
Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she's willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she's just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them.
From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school's Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!
While it appears the Macs don't have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.
Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One thing's for certain: there's never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!
The pros: My whole family liked this movie. I'm not even a big sports person, but the story is so well written, and the coach's inspiration is so amazing, that it was really a great story to watch. It's wonderful to watch what happens when the coach dreams big, and the players learn to believe that it's possible. And the fact that it's based on a true story was the icing on the cake for my kids.
The cons: The movie is rated "G", but apparently "G" allows for things I wouldn't think it did. I'm fairly certain at one point the coach mentions "a cold day in h*ll", but she says the real word. And as a Christian, I know h*ll is a real place, but not a word I expect to hear in a "G" movie. It also had some scenes and innuendo that made me cringe with my kids in the room, like when the coach and Sister Sunday stop off in a bar, and a man buys them drinks. Since the Sister is not in her habit, he hits on her (well, really he hits on them both), and she says she is in a relationship. He asks what her significant other does, and she says he's a carpenter. The guy then makes a comment about her significant other "being good with his hands then". Ummm, I know I'm prudish, but that's God we're talking about! And I don't appreciate the "good with his hands" reference in a G rated movie my kids are watching.
The bottom line: Despite what I said above, the movie is really very good. It has a very strong Christian message, as well as always emphasizing a focus on the "team" not the individual. It reminds us that where we come from and what we have (or don't have) is NOT what defines us. Nor are we limited by what other people believe us capable of. And it shows how the Lord really works in mysterious ways. I would definitely recommend it, but I'd keep in mind that it might not be suitable for some children (although I have to say the things I mentioned went right over my kids' heads- I was just disappointed they were even included in the movie).
For more information about The Mighty Macs, you can visit their website, or their Facebook page, or twitter, or watch this preview from YouTube:
Legal Disclaimer: As a reviewer for Propeller, I received the ability to screen The Mighty Macs at home for the purpose of writing this review. That viewing was the only compensation I received.
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