I originally saw the film in a preview screener in late 2011, but I missed a few minutes of the movie and watched it on my PC which is never quite the same as watching a movie on either the silver screen or a regular size TV (I have a generous computer monitor, but it is still a computer monitor...even when on the movie setting). When I first watched the movie, I found myself wanting to know more abou the real Macs and went in search of data but only found a few pictures and articles.
I was hoping that when the film hit DVD that a few bonus features would be included...and they were! In addition to deleted scenes, the movie contains a "Making of The Mighty Macs" documentary that lasts about 20 minutes and a "The Mighty Macs" ESPN segment that lasts between five and 10 minutes. I liked both because each contained footage of the real Cathy Rush and some of the team mates depicuted in the film. It was also touching to see exactly how invested in the film the cast and crew were. I also didn't realize that the nuns in the bench at Mass near the beginning of the film were actual Macs....that was cute to learn.
Past this new information, I want to share a few points from my prior review of the film:
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!
Connect with the film on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/themightymacs
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MightyMacsMovie
Watch the Trailer:
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
I heard it was good! And I havent seen it yet!
ReplyDeleteI heard from my sons it would be fun!
ReplyDeletesounds like a wholesome movie
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a great fun family movie! :-)
ReplyDeleteTam S. Rafflecopter