‘THE MIGHTY MACS’ (2009)

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It is a tricky business adapting true stories. Or this has been an observation. Anything that has a tag as a true story means filmmakers take real people and attempt to tell the story of their life. I have seen some that have been near perfection, and others that fail. This seventies-era title, The Mighty Macs, may not be popular among these, but it is good.  

The Mighty Macs (2009) Film Review

Being a home-maker is not the only thing Cathy Rush (Carla Gugino) wants from life. Although she’s a newlywed whose NBA referee husband (David Boreanaz) believes she wants to be home, Cathy is a woman ahead of her time. Her desire to be different leads her to apply for coaching jobs at a select few colleges. With no experience, she’s shocked to get an interview at Immaculata College. An all-girls Catholic college, Cathy is get the job without many questions but Mother St. John (Ellen Burskyn) doesn’t offer her a place to teach her too few players.

‘THE MIGHTY MACS’(2009). Review of the real-life story of Cathy Rush with Carla Gugino. Text is © Rissi JC / RissiWrites.com

In charge of admissions, Sister Sunday (Marley Shelton) has doubts about her faith, her life, her purpose. She asks God to show her again if her decisions are right before all is lost. Not long after, she is asked to help coach the basketball team. Despite her uncertainly, Sister Sunday feels a tug towards this new endeavor as the memories of her former life begin to creep in.

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‘THE MIGHTY MACS’ (2009). A review of the film about Cathy Rush. #Movies #WhattoWatch #MovieArchives Click To Tweet

This may be an underrated title, but as I did say at the start, it’s solid. Everything gets off to the right start, with some snazzy filming, and the acting is decent along with three unfamiliar actresses’. Based on the real events surrounding the 1971 girls’ basketball team, this is a movie that will resonate with old and young alike. Anyone who has played this sport will probably have some comedic flashbacks to the work it takes or countless drills you run, and adults will appreciate the depth of a true story and the twists life sometimes throws our way.

Written and directed by a less experienced filmmaker, Tim Chambers, the script and direction is impressive. Viewers will chuckle over uniform reactions, and in turn be touched by the simple way the girls make a teammate feel loved. Despite not being a lover of “all things 70’s,” I did love most of Cathy’s wardrobe. Something about it is just cool. The scarves, classic lines and colors are perfect for screen, and suit the actress well.

Some true stories can be tedious, or overlong, this one doesn’t seem to fall into those traps. It’s one that teaches to never give up on dreams, and the reward that can – sometimes ­– follow determination.

Content: One scene shows two women having a beer – one of which is a nun. There are some mild tricks and/or fibs. Cathy invites a group of boys to play against the girls in practice is considered “scandalous.” There is some minor flirting. The film is G.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

15 comments

  1. I've heard of this movie when it came out and have wanted to see it ever since then…it was fun to read your review/thoughts on it! :)

  2. I saw a trailer for this a while back and even that had me laughing :) I'm definitely going to see if I can watch it soon!
    Oh, and I really like your new header as well as your profile pic! :) {for some reason, I just really like looking at your profile pic every time you get a new one…you always choose such interesting/lovely ones!}

  3. Rachel – thanks! I hope you enjoy it; for once, this is a movie that is actually… "clean." =)

    Ella – it is! =)

    Trinka – have I mentioned how glad I am that you are baaaack!? LOL! =)

    There is an element of comedic amusement (the comedy is admittedly great) in this film but above all, it recounts a story of overcoming "adversity" when your dreams are threatened. Enjoy!

    Thanks! I had a lot of fun putting this header together but was also a bit challenged to find three pics. that "matched." I like my pictures to go together and not be a mish-mash of just anything… still, that is half the fun (tracking them down). Isn't it fun picking a new profile pic.? That is why I change it so often. ;D I had a similar but different one earlier in the week before switching to this one and editing it with the rounded corners. (Yours are always lovely!) The design aspect is such fun on Blogger!!

  4. This looks like a cute movie! :-)

    Thanks for (all) your awesome comments on my blog! They make my day. :) I can switch out headers pretty easily, but I have trouble with even changing font colors. LOL. I'm pretty dumb when it comes to reformatting my blog, so I try not to do it too often. :D

  5. I saw the trailer to this film not too long ago. Actually, I do believe I saw it from Courageous's DVD. It looks like a great film–the kind that has both comedy and a great message.

  6. We rented that from Redbox. Wasn't my favorite but it was clean, so that's good.

    Thanks for your comment on my bowtie post, Rissi! It's true that all good things must come to an end but I'm excited about what the future using my leader training holds :)
    Have a great weekend!

    SoUtHeRnPiNkY.bLoGsPoT.cOm

  7. Rachel – it really is! =)

    I love comments; it makes the blogger experience more worth it. That seems to be "everyone's" fave part about blogging, so it is fun to leave comments on my favorite blogs. =)

    You are not dumb about re-formatting, girl! Changing the colors is easily found under "layout" then "template designer" under "advanced." Perhaps Blogger likes to give you trouble about that – I know girls who really detest Google / Blogger but so far (*fingers crossed*), I have no complaints. ;D

    Jemimah – I believe it does air prior to Courageous. This one is more "professional" than that one but it doesn't have as much of a Christian message. Still… it was good. =)

    Memorey – being "clean" in today's film industry is something – so if we can at least get that out of a movie… well, that is good. =)

    Best of luck – and same to you. =)

    Thanks for the comments, girls – all are greatly appreciated!! As always, I am happy you stopped in.

  8. I wondered if this was going to turn out good…at all and for me. I still don't know if it would be exciting enough to grab and hold, but it seemed like it would, after your review :) And I agree with Trinka, loving the header :) Sierra
    Keep Growing Beautiful♥ (Because You Are!)
    Philippians 4:8

  9. This movie never was "dull" for me, but I realize that some viewers may find it to be dull. It is worth a look IMO – but that is just me. =D

    Aw! Thanks! I still loved my other header (it is saved in case I want to "recycle") but it is such fun for me to create things that I find I love switching things up even if it isn't a "drastic" layout change. I just had the thought that perhaps this header is a bit… depressing / dark but, I guess not. I like it, so it'll stick around for a while. After all: April showers bring May flowers. =)

    Costumes in movies are HUGE for me – I either love 'em or don't… most the time. ;D

    Loving all YOUR sweet comments today, Sierra! Thanks.

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