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Family, friends gather to support Woodlands' own Carlos Pratts in McFarland, USA

By: C. Pilgrim
| Published 02/19/2015

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Lots of smiling and proud faces exited the Cinemark Tinseltown Theatre in The Woodlands on Thursday night after a premier showing of McFarland, USA. Opening in theaters nationwide on February 20th, a special group of people had the privilege of getting to see the film early, as they were friends and family of one of the supporting actors, Carlos Pratts.

Based on a true story, the Walt Disney Pictures film takes place in 1987 in a small, California town: McFarland. Predominantly a Latino community, Jim White (Kevin Costner) and his family move to McFarland for his new job as a track and cross country coach. As White faces cultural differences, he works to transform an unlikely group of runners into a successful cross country team.

Thomas Valles, one of the runners coached by White, is played by Woodlands’ own Carlos Pratts. After discovering his love for acting at The Woodlands High School, Pratts continued to chase his dream of becoming an actor after graduating.

With an impressive resume of television and movie appearances, the 28-year-old only further proves his acting ability in McFarland, USA. The Hollywood premiere of the movie was on February 9, and Pratts attended the event alongside his parents, Vivian and Luis, and younger brother, Lucito.

“I was in the car with Carlos on the way to the premiere and when I saw the photographers and the red carpet, I started to cry,” said Vivian Pratts. “Carlos said, ‘Stop that. You are about to walk the red carpet. You can’t cry!’”

A local showing was held Thursday evening, giving friends and family the opportunity to see Pratts on the big screen. Hugs, laughs, and even tears were exchanged before the movie began. Pure excitement filled the theater. When Pratts was seen on screen for the first time, clapping and whistling ensued, as family members who have known Pratts for a lifetime, were now seeing the talented actor on the silver screen.

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

McFarland, USA will debut nationwide on February 20. Click here to watch the McFarland, USA Official Trailer.

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