It has been a couple of months since I saw the first trailer for The Mighty Macs, and I knew immediately that I wanted to watch it but had no idea how interesting it would be. I didn't know about much, if anything, about Immaculata college and their championship wins which made the film a bit of an education. I ended up visiting the Mighty Macs movie website to find out more about the team and see more actual pictures of the real Cathy Rush and the other players (some pictures are featured prior to the end credits, as well as "where are they know" type tidbits).
Carla Gugino was wonderfully cast as Cathy Rush and, with the help of the hair, make-up, and wardrobe department, was really able to pull off the look and feel of the era. The girls who played the team members were are really beautiful in a normal girl type of way. They don't have the artificially enhanced look of Hollywood in the film - something that I appreciated greatly.
I wan't completely sure of each girl's name until closer to the end of the film, but an effort was made to lend a little bit of individuality to the characters. We see that Trish Sharkey doesn't have a lot of money and spends much of her school days in overalls. Lizanne loses her fiancee and we visit her at home crying her eyes out in bed. Jen's home life is briefly demonstrated when her father basically orders her to poor juice for her brother while navigating the family kitchen in her nurses uniform.
Each of these elements made the movie more believable as it demonstrated the truth of many situations - a lot of the girls at Catholic schools were wealthy or upper middle class children, but others were allowed to attend on scholarship or under the auspices of more traditional charity. They also showed that the girls were from situations that didn't encourage them to be their best and give their all at something since they were not always encouraged or allowed to realize dreams and work toward goals outside of traditional thought processes (read: only real goal is marriage/family).
The sisters in this film are every bit as enjoyable as they seemed to be in the trailers. When you watch The Mighty Macs, think of me when you watch Cathy in the little workout room with the nuns. I found this scene to be absolutely charming and quaint. It showed the real spirit any good religious institution must have to survive - the good, kind, and fun spirits of its members!
There was absolutely nothing objectionable in The Mighty Macs from a family viewing perspective though there are a few one liners during a short (30 seconds-ish sequence) that some may consider racy only because they contain double-innuendos.
About The Mighty Macs:
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!
Find out more about the film at the following destinations:
Website: http://www.themightymacs.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/themightymacs
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/MightyMacs1
Disclosure: I was provided with an opportunity to preview this film prior to its release. All opinions expressed within this post are entirely my own and remain uninfluenced.
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