"Why You Should Watch The Blind Side

“When something awful was happening, my mother would tell me to close my eyes. She was trying to keep me from seeing her do drugs or other bad things. And when she was finished she would tell me to open my eyes the past is gone, the world is a good place and it’s all going to be okay.” Does that seem like a good life? Of course not! That trick is the key to what got Michael through the hard times in his life. A drama\sports movie directed by John Lee Hancock, The Blind Side is an inspiring movie about a teenage boy’s journey out of a hard life. Michel Oher grew up in the hood of Tennessee. There were gangs and drugs all over his childhood neighborhood. Through his hard work he was able to get into a good school where he meet a caring, rich family who cared deeply for his well-being. They encouraged his schooling to an extent that he was able to get his grades up to the level where he could get a scholarship for playing football in college, which he discovered his great talent in. Through his hard work and determination he beat all odds and overcame all obstacles keeping him from achieving great things. It’s a story of family, football, and beating the odds. The movie also contains good moral lessons and actors and actresses whose acting brings life to the movie.

To start, the movie offers many moral life lessons. The idea of offering someone a place to stay when they don’t have anywhere else to go, like Mrs. Tuohy did for Michael, is a great lesson from the movie on caring and looking out for each other. Critic Chris Carpenter says, “Faith and values were on full display, none more evident than a sign hanging above the entrance to a school in the movie. It reads, With men this is possible. With God all things are possible.” When Carpenter says, “Faith and values were on full display.” he tells us of the good morals that he sees in this movie. Everyone who watches this movie catches a life lesson of some sort. Critic Burl Burlingame tells us what he thinks about this movie and the valuable lesson which he learned, “A living tribute to fundamental Christian motivations, although the point is hammered home with an extraordinarily soft touch: Love thy neighbor.” Personally, the movie was an encouragement to me, in the way that even if everyone thinks an obstacle is impossible or there’s so many obstacles in your way, go for it; whatever it may be or how hard it may seem. Just like Michael overcome all the obstacles in his way of achieving great things like becoming a pro football player.

As well as being a lesson filled movie, The Blind Side also has magnificent acting from all the actors and actresses. Sandra Bullock, award winning actress, won the hearts of many during this film. Her acting was so realistic you really are convinced that she is a rich mother from Tennessee. Critic Christopher Monfette states that, “Bullock offers a pitch-perfect performance as the typical Southern mother and despite navigating her most well-written role to date; she's aided considerably by Tim McGraw.” “Bullock turns in a terrific, ball-breaking performance” critic Kate Muir says. The actors and actresses work together to make it believable. Critic Christopher Monfette, impressed with the unity of Bullock and McGraw says, “Having played the abusive, emotionally distant football father in Friday Night Lights, McGraw plays Bullock's charmingly supportive husband with an understated charisma and utterly infectious charm. The pair feels like a genuine couple, a relationship cemented by the high quality of the kid's performances.” He goes on saying, “Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher is where the film ultimately lives or dies. This massive gentle-giant turns in a performance that'd be star-making were it not so specific.” “The performances are truthful and you're left fully invested not only in Michael, but in the Toughy's in general” comments critic Perri Nemiroff. One of my favorite quotes from this movie really shows the family they formed. The Tuohy family is having a family dinner, with Michael, when a conversation starts, “Sean Tuohy: We were wondering if you would like to become a part of this family. Michael Oher: I kinda thought I already was.” They really became a family in the movie as well as off camera.

From everything mentioned here, you can tell why I recommend this movie. It’s encouraging in many ways, well acted, and a memorable movie. After watching The Blind Side you will feel the urge to help those around who might be in need and to work on achieving your own goals no matter how hard they may seem. Laughter is guaranteed in this movie, as well as some crying. Next time you go to a DVD store, get The Blind Side, gather your friends and family around, and enjoy the movie! It’s a movie you don’t want to miss, because of its moral lessons and spectacular acting."

"I laughed, I cried, I was in HYSTERICS at times... "The Blind Side" is an amazing, warm, touching, eye-opening movie with a realistic point-of-view and an amazing message. I could and would watch this movie 100x over. Great. <3"

"I love the Blind Side! It is so heart-warming! I love the drama too."

"It a great movie, wich have implied it, an in incredible true hitory, and with a undeniable great performance from Bullock. It's a great movie. It awakes your emotivity and it gives a beautifull meaning to the word Fate"

"There's no denying that at it's core "The Blind Side" is a very warm, uplifting film. How can it not be since it's based on a genuinely touching true story. For the most part the movie does satisfy in that area. But it has more than it's share of flaws.

First is the acting. Bullock gives a good performance as does Quinton Aaron as Big Mike. But then you have Tim McGraw. He gives a wooden, robotic performance that is at times laughable. Jae Head as the Tuohy's young son S.J. is either a victim of bad writing or just an abnoxiously horrible young actor. At times he seems to be patterned off of Culkin's "Home Alone" and "Uncle Buck characters.

Another issue I had was that the movie seemed to be more about Leigh Anne Tuohy than about Big Mike. Mike became a small character as the movie progressed and it's unfortunate since his story had alot more to offer in terms of interest.

So "The Blind Side" has it's share of positives and negatives. It's negatives are too numerous to overlook. But it's positive story, and emotional impact doesn't leave the film empty of entertainment value."

"this is a brilliant must see movie! it made me laugh, smile and cry! this is one of sandra bullocks greatest movies"

"I loved this movie its Funny, Sad and Very entertaining. the only movie I can compare it with is Remember the Titans with Denzal Washington. I think if you like that movie you will like Blind Side"

"I loved this movie it was very sad but a great movie. It was not so sad it was a chick flick but it was sad, funny and also there was some action that was great. I could watch it over and over and over and over agian. When it comes out on dvd i am so buying it."

"Sandra Bullock is this movie. It's the best role of her career so far because of her heartwarming bond with Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who now plays for the Baltimore Ravens. No offense to the real life Oher, but the actor in this movie didn't have to show much emotion. All he had to do was stand there, look sad, mumble, and occasionally look confused or angry. I like the way this movie looks into Oher's home land of his youth. It's intense and doesn’t make you feel good but yet you can't take your eyes off the screen and I give credit to the screenwriters for that. Although there are some slow spots, I like the film because of Bullock and the actor/country singer who plays her husband, Tim Mcgraw."

"its just ok, football movie.the black actor is tbe best part of the movie,not enough football scenes too much comedy."

"This is a great movie!"

"At the Movies

Director: John Lee Hancock

The Blind Side (PG) * * * *

Noble Cause!

By ROBERT WALDMAN

Football is to Americans as Hockey is to Canadians and soccer to the rest of the world. Funny how a movie with a sports theme takes second stage to an even bigger message; in The Blind Side we get to see a new dimension to leading lady Sandra Bullock. Like so many other actors Ms. Bullock is trying to add dramatic performance to her repertoire. Following the footsteps of fellow comic Adam Sandler in Punch Drunk Love Ms. Bullock makes an impressive bow in this uplifting tale from Warner Brothers

Home base for our tale is the Deep South. Way down yonder in Memphis there still seems to be a cultural divide. Like many big cities in North America there are the haves and the have nots. Behind The Blind Side are economic woes laced with prejudice and hope. Action here revolves around the plight of a lonely black boy named Michael with a host of problems too numerous to list here.

When Michael, played brilliantly by Michael Oher,l arrives at Wingate High School you immediately notice that there aren’t too many Afro American students at this Christian academy. Besides having the race issue on his plate Michael turns out to be not exactly prime academic material. Largely taken for granted most give this young lad no chance to succeed.

Charity Begins At Home For Upscale Christian Couple

Amidst this backdrop comes freewheeling Leigh Anne Tuohy, brought to life by Sandra Bullock in a breakout performance. Life has been good to Leigh Anne and she’s blessed with two adorable children and a loving husband. Charity is big with her as are her society efforts and being a good Christian she notices the plight of this poor boy. People with airs about them can be liked or despised. Hearts of gold are rare commodities so it’s surprising to everyone when a rich white woman takes a poor black boy into her world. Yes, stories like this have been done before. Great all round performances and a well-written script make The Blind Side enjoyable and memorable on a number of fronts.

Underdog stories and films about those from the wrong side of the tracks are commonplace. Here all revolves around family, or the lack thereof, as the centerpiece about struggle and adversity. Director John Lee Hancock co-wrote this 129 minute drama and its pacing is perfect with nary a moment to bore you. Instead, people will be captivated by the sincerity of the acting. Even the on-screen footage of action on the field pales in comparison to the intensity behind the scenes as to what will happen when a fish out of water enters a new strange world that may have repercussions far outside that single family home, no matter how spacious and luxurious it may be.

Sandra Bullock Shows Poise In Dramatic Departure

Fresh off a big spring success in the romantic comedy The Proposal comes Sandra Bullock. Long admired for her niceness on set and generosity off screen Ms. Bullock is terrific as the no-nonsense straight shooting mother who decides to make Michael almost her own personal cause. At her side through thick and thin is musician turned actor Tim McGraw (The Kingdom) whose laid back style here perfectly contrasts with the almost General Patton directives uttered by his wife. Under all that bravado, however, may be a true mother at heart.

Struggle within and from outside forces plague our central figure Michael Oher. Bound to create a big stir is Quinton Aaron whose portrayal of a troubled young man will certainly stir audiences. Other standouts in this movie are the young son of the couple and Kathy Bates whose small screen time delivers more punch in a story about making the right decisions with second guessers all along the way.

No need for lots of rah rah here. Let the spirit of helping others grip you and hopefully never let go. Funny at times, sad at others, The Blind Side is one movie that will open your eyes and make you think about how you treat others in a hopefully positive way."