Niki Caro directs Kevin Costner, Maria Bello and Carlos Chalabi in this sports drama where a white coach moves to predominantly poor, Mexican neighbourhood and starts a cross-country running team.

The White Saviour narrative you all hate but based on a true(ish) story… so suck it! Costner couldn’t be more honky in this… his character is called Mr White, he only drinks Coca-Cola and he is baffled by the concept of tacos. Was 1987 really that culturally segregated? Anyway… the joke is often on him as he integrates slowly but eventually willingly into his new community. All the sports team cliches are trotted out but here they are delivered with such a pure heart and unashamed confidence that you can’t help but be entertained. A throwback to the Eighties era of family films… one where Costner’s now quaint brand of star power shines through. I know tales where people get along, work together and acknowledge and respect each other’s differences are seen as relics these days but this effortlessly hits a now overlooked sweet spot.

7

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