The Mighty Macs (2009) User Reviews (17)

formulaic and sincere

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 19 September 2016]

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.

A very good story.

[zutterjp48 · 8/10 · 12 May 2020]

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.

Catholic Feel Good

[jeroduptown · 6/10 · 31 May 2021]

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

A fine, fun movie for the whole family

[punitivedamages · 10/10 · 18 October 2011]

I saw the Mighty Macs in a preview screening tonight, and came away impressed.

First, the themes, or messages, of the movie are good ones. The movie is about a small, cash-strapped girls' school that hires a basketball coach who has visions of greatness. She tries to bring the team around to her vision. So the first theme explored is the theme of staying the course, overcoming obstacles and struggling through adversity. That theme is pretty standard fare for these underdog stories, but it is done well here, and it is all the more resonant because the movie is based on a true story.

The second theme, as I see it, was about the emergence of women in sports and in life in general, and I liked the way that this theme was presented. Nowadays in movies and in the media I often see the raising up of a woman represented by radical cosmetic makeovers or some other reference to external appearance. In the Mighty Macs, the theater actually laughed when they first saw the girls' uniforms. And in one scene, one of the girls on the team who had very little money was called out by someone outside the team for her rundown clothing. Rather than gang up on her, the team rallied to that girl's help. And rather than getting new uniforms so they could be elevated by the clothes, it was the other way around – their inspired play elevated the uniforms, and now the dowdy uniforms are fondly recalled (I know because we got some nice literature from the school at the screening).

Finally, and it's sort of a side note, I liked that there were nuns in the movie, lots of them, and they were not cartoon characters. The movie showed their different personalities; their individuality even amongst their identical appearance, not unlike the team itself. At one point, one of the nuns described her journey toward her vocation, and the treatment of it was entirely respectful. It dignified rather than ridiculed her choice. That should not be remarkable at all, but to me it was, as I almost now expect to see nuns ridiculed.

A fine, fun movie for the whole family.

Great family-friendly film with a "classic" feel

[ann-vanderlaan-0 · 17 October 2011]

Based upon the true story of the Immaculata College women's basketball team, it is thoroughly refreshing to see a G-rated film with human actors in it. This values-oriented sports drama has the feel of an older, classic Hollywood film that emphasizes the importance of personal dreams, the will to win, and the need for shared sacrifice to achieve success.

These women were at the forefront of everyday women's liberation, depending upon themselves rather than politicians or demonstrations to achieve their goals. Their combined efforts helped to put college women's athletic programs "on the map". Later achievements of individual team members in women's athletics, business, non-profit foundations and academia tell us just how special these women really are.

Full disclosure for parents:

[steensons · 2/10 · 1 September 2013]

Although in relation to other modern films, it seems a clean and good film, there was one blasphemy that was meant as a joke: A man in a bar hits on the main character and the nun (without her veil), they both indicate that they are "taken" and not interested in him. The nun says her Man is a carpenter. "Good with his hands, is he?" "He works miracles," she responds with meaning. Of course, the literal reading is benign and true. But the innuendo or other meaning of her phrase and the way she delivers it is impure and, said of the God-Man, it is blasphemous. In another scene, the team is playing against men to improve its basketball skills. The nun pushes her fanny against the "front-end" of the man she is guarding in such a way that the man makes a face indicating something is inappropriate. She then spanks him on the bottom. After hearing how absolutely pure this movie was, I didn't appreciate watching this behavior and blasphemy in front of my 11-year-old daughter and her friends.

Disney refused to produce it

[the_doofy · 9/10 · 14 November 2022]

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.

Great stuff

[AnthonyVincentBruno · 10/10 · 6 March 2020]

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.

Great Family Film

[bear64-1 · 10/10 · 1 November 2011]

This is a great film!!!! Take the Family !! This was very similar to what happened in my all girls school that I attended in 1960. My whole family loved this film!! I wish there were more films like this one!! The perseverance of the girls and the Mother Superior and also especially the coach is remarkable.We were moved to tears at times. Why can't Hollywood make more movies like this??? Maybe they will wake up and make some classic movies again. We would go to the movies more often if they would make them like this one. There are some independent film makers out there maybe we will see more of these kind of movies lets hope so!! I will be watching to maybe see some change in our movies.

Against All Odds

[KKrastinDavis · 10/10 · 21 April 2013]

This is a must see show - especially for every woman that thinks she is hitting against all odds and will amount to very little. I hope and wish that, anyone feeling discouraged, they choose to watch this heartfelt movie and be empowered by it. Cathy Rush is to basketball what Clara Barton is to nursing and was truly amazing. Get your young children before this show and let them become inspired by the story of this woman who encouraged her team to grow through believing in their dreams. Every dream may be slightly different on a team, but the end result comes together when a team acts like a true team. Cathy Rush did for women's basketball in a time that it wasn't popular for women basketball teams to exist what the Jody Conradt's, etc. do for the women basketball teams of today -- definitely a woman ahead of her time. Don't worry, if you aren't necessarily a basketball fan, you'll still be amazed because the lessons learned can be applied to just about any area of life.

Wonderful Movie

[thomasw-03927 · 10/10 · 13 October 2017]

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.

A great and inspiring sports movie. Any parents with daughters should watch this family movie. I loved it. So good. I say A

[cosmo_tiger · 9/10 · 4 January 2012]

"It will take an act of God to save this school." Cathy Rush (Gugino)is a modern woman in the '70's. Her husband is not working and rather then staying home she decided to go out and get a job coaching at a local all girls catholic school. With no gym, uniforms, a school about to close and a lack of talent she does her best to make the team better then it ever thought it could. I should tell you right off that I am a sucker for sports movies. I will watch pretty much any movie about sports. Most of the sports movies that come out lately are true stories and to me that makes them better. This one is about a small catholic girls school that went from no gym to trying to win the national championship. Not only is this inspiring but it really makes you feel for what the girls had to go through to get there. This is one of the better sports movies I have seen and I highly recommend this to everyone...not just girls. Overall, a great family movie that any parent with a high school girl who is unsure of herself should watch. I give it an A.

Mighty Macs is a force...!

[velvetysmooth26 · 28 October 2011]

When you go to a movie and want to get your monies worth you get disappointed more than you used to before. Remember when you could go to a movie without worry of having a great experience? Well, this brings that feeling back! If you like films based on a true story, go see this film! If you want to leave the theater feeling good go see this film! If you want to go to a movie and not feel like you waisted your time, go see this film! If you want to go to the movies and not feel like you waisted a dime, go see this film! If you're tired of not being able to take your kids to the movies take them and GO SEE THIS FILM!

Inspirational Sports Biopic Captures the Era Perfectly

[herbqedi · 9/10 · 22 November 2013]

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.

Really nice inspirational basketball movie which tells a true story.

[TxMike · 12 May 2012]

First let me confess, I fell in love with Carla Gugino in the first 'Spy Kids' movie. She is absolutely beautiful and she can act, too!

Here she is Cathy Rush , only 23 and just married. Her husband is an NBA referee thus travels a lot. Cathy had played some basketball but no coaching experience. To give her something to do, rather than just stay home when her husband was on the road, she applied for the girls basketball coaching job at a small Catholic girls college in the Philadelphia area. This is the true story of how she took this rag-tag bunch of girls, taught them principles of achievement, and went on to establish a winning basketball program.

David Boreanaz is her husband, Ed Rush. Pretty Marley Shelton (of 'Pleasantville' fame) is Sister Sunday who is having grave doubts about her vocation, but becomes the assistant coach. Ellen Burstyn is super as the mother superior of the college, Mother St. John .

The DVD also has an interesting extra which includes not only the real Cathy Rush but also some of the members of her early 1970s championship basketball teams.

Aside from just a good story, Cathy Rush and her teams represented the leading wave of the transition from the old style girls basketball (3 forwards and 3 guards, each set only playing half-court) to the new style that we know today.

Good movie!

Edit June 2019: Just watched it again on Amazon streaming, it was just like seeing it fresh, totally enjoyable viewing.

G for a reason

[bettedavis3 · 26 October 2011]

Many movies today even ones promoted as "family" movies contain such severe hints of innuendo and subtext that parents can hardly be sure if any of them are actually appropriate for their children. This movie gives what even Disney hasn't done in a very long time, and that is offer a film with morals, a message and humor that parents can actually feel good about letting their kids watch. A lot of movies called "kids movies" have PG ratings because of the presence of some crude humor and possibly suggestive behavior. This movie is rated G for a reason and anyone going into this should be aware of that. This rating means there isn't really going to be anything rude or vulgar at all so audiences be aware, if you're looking for something with bad language or innuendo then this movie most likely isn't a good bet.

Inspiring, clean and fun!

[cast-198-854318 · 28 October 2011]

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!