The Mighty Macs

source: The Mighty Macs

Because it did not have foul language I just discovered this movie on tubi. I liked it quite a bit. The young women in it could play ball, they were not just chosen on a lark. It had some drama but not over the top. The acting was good, the coaching was believable. I noticed some idiots put in their reviews that it is stereotypically predictable. Since this actually happened, there is nothing sterero about it, sheesh As soon as I saw the young nun pass the basketball I was all in, whoever directed this thing knew something about basketball This gem is slowly going to have a following as it gets exposure kudos to the creators for not caving into disney.

As I wrote in the review of "McFarland USA" I enjoy always the films based on a true story and specially when the film tells how people give the best of themselves in a sport (Cross-country,basketball, soccer,baseball,etc). That's is the case in "The Mighty Macs" when Cathy Rush will encourage the girls of the Immaculata College to build a team and to fight for a national basketball championship. Basketball is above all a team sport and the film shows the long way of this tiny team towards the glory. Also this film is about friendship, friendship between the nuns and Cathy and friendship between the players and Cthy.

Old school Sunday afternoon movie that you appreciate for the depth and good feeling it generates. The guy from SEALs is in it, a hot blonde and loads of nuns. Great entertainment, ans, a true story.

Alright - so it's a rags to riches, believe in yourself sport movie - but what's wrong with that?! Great for the fam.

This is a great movie. The movie is based on a true story and very inspirational. The producer knew the original events personally, growing up around them, creating authenticity. Many of the original athletes and coaches were interviewed, increasing credibility. Original footage of the team's games is seen in the credits and DVD extras, which is a fun flashback. This is a sports movie and for once the actors actually know how to play the sport. The games are believable, because they are real. The movie has many inspirational elements, as mentioned by other reviewers. I highly recommend this movie. Acting was great and you actually get to know the participants as you watch the film--real theater, not just hollow entertainment. There is real drama, both in the lives of the participants and in the struggles of the small college.

It's 1971 at the all-girls Immaculata College outside of Philidelphia. Mother St. John (Ellen Burstyn) hires Cathy Rush (Carla Gugino) to be the basketball coach. There is no real money, the gym burnt down, and the college is threatened to be sold off. Cathy's NBA ref husband Ed Rush (David Boreanaz) wants her to be more of a housewife. The rules have recently changed to allow the girls play the men's game. Sister Sunday (Marley Shelton) becomes the assistant. The girls struggle with loss after loss until Cathy molds them into a championship team. This is formulaic but that's no problem for a formulaic sports movie. It's endearing in its own way. The major missing element is a bigger part for one of the players performed by a bright young star. The girls are more or less blanks except for a couple scenes. They are played by relative unknowns and they don't excel. On the other hand, Carla Gugino is great. The big emotional scene of the girl silently weeping in the van after a lost is very good. However, none of the games nor the story are terribly surprising or exciting. The story is fit for a sincere feel-good telling and this does it in a very standard way.

I lived in Paoli, not far from Immaculata and had seen the campus several times. What Cathy Rush accomplished was amazing at a time when women's college basketball wasn't even on the map. Rush was reasonable attractive but Carla Guggino is much "hotter" of course. Acting-wise, she captured Rush's spirit and intensity perfectly. This really is a rare sports story where not only did David beat Goliath to win the big prize but also really did change the game of women's sports and established its importance in real life. And almost all the team members went on to improve their lives and to point to this experience in doing so. The Mighty Macs is a story well worth telling. The fact that this movie, with very modest budget and production values, succeeds in telling the story so well in a fast-paced, entertaining, well-acted, and satisfying way makes it all the most special. Just like the success of the Mighty Macs themselves, the success of this product (not commercial success but its high quality) is a true team effort. Pat, Bruce, Carla, Ellen, and everyone else involved. T-E-A-M TEAM!!! Well done.

The Mighty Macs is a movie that you can bring all of the family to without any worries. You get a view of Catholic Sisters that is truly humorous yet respectful. Although this is the story of Immaculata College's girls basketball team, it is the story of us all. The story of Cathy Rush and Immaculata College is something we can and should relate to - push for your dreams and you will achieve them. Those who dare to dream can make a difference in their own life and the lives of those around them. Do you believe in your dreams? Maybe the story of The Mighty Macs will inspire you to shoot for your goals. Great acting, great action, and an inspiring story with a positive message make this a win, win. Just go see it!