Mighty Macs, The MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +3 Content: +3

Carla Gugino, Marley Shelton, David Boreanaz, Ellen Burstyn.

FILM SYNOPSIS: It's 1971 and future Hall of Fame coach Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time. She's about to make sports history. The Mighty Macs, coming to theaters October 21, is based on the inspiring true story of the original women's basketball Cinderella team: tiny Immaculata College and their improbable run toward sports history!

PREVIEW REVIEW: Basketball movies are as alike as, well, football movies. But every so often, one comes along with a message, a performance, or a subplot that raises it above the norm. Indeed, the good ones usually provide a metaphor for life (Hoop Dreams, Hoosiers, Coach Carter). I’m not sure I’d put it alongside Hoosiers, but Mighty Macs has valuable messages (perseverance saves the day, teamwork, and “You gotta have heart, miles and miles of heart…”), and at some point someone said, “Let’s make this family-friendly.”

Devoid of crudity or exploitive sexuality, the pro-women’s-movement story centers on its goal, reminding us how to play the game of life. And despite the fact that it’s as familiar as a Three Stooges rerun, the makers infuse their story with humor, lively pacing and a respect for Christian values. The Mighty Macs is moving, thoughtful and involving.

Rated G, I found nothing objectionable.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Quaker Media