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WITH VIDEO: McFarland, USA starring The Woodlands' own Carlos Pratts

By: Video Producer: Lane Morgan Writer: J. Werner
| Published 02/03/2015

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Coming to a theater near you, McFarland, USA premiers February 20, starring Kevin Costner and The Woodlands own native son, Carlos Pratts. In an exclusive video interview, Woodlands Online had the opportunity to speak with the dynamic supporting actor playing opposite Costner, and gain insight about the movie and some behind-the-scenes information that will make this true against-all-odds story a "must-see."

The sports drama produced by Walt Disney Pictures, is based on the true story of a cross country team that attends a predominantly Latino high school, McFarland High School (in McFarland, California), in an economically-challenged community. The team is coached through social issues to win 25 section titles and an unprecedented 24-year streak of attending the State Championships since 1987.

Kevin Costner plays Jim White, the school's coach, who struggles with finding his place, the cultural differences, and the challenge of building a team out of unlikely runners. The movie doesn’t stray far from the truth.

One would think that the proud cross country legacy of The Woodlands High School provided Carlos Pratts with a competitive advantage for starring in the movie.

“Actually, I didn’t run cross country when I attended The Woodlands High School,” said Pratts.

In fact, it was the drama class he took the second semester of his senior year, that fueled his desire to act. Although he admitted that he hated studying acting in college. Eventually the right parts rekindled his interest and his resume now also includes: Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2014), Coyote (2013), Sassy Pants (2012), and Out of the Fire (2010).

Deeply ingrained in the American spirit is the desire to champion the underdog. No one does this better than Disney, and to date, Pratts says that McFarland, USA is Disney’s highest testing film ever.

“This is not just a film for Latinos,” said Pratts. “It’s for everyone.”

Pratts emphasizes that it’s for anyone who wants to see the underdog overcome a myriad of obstacles. It’s for anyone who has found themselves in that position. He is hopeful that it will give kids who appear to be in a hopeless situation...hope.

The Hollywood premier of McFarland, USA is February 9; the movie will debut nationwide on February 20. Click here to watch the McFarland, USA Official Trailer.



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