I love Sandra Bullock movies, so I had to see this one well before I saw any of the promos! Then, the promos came and I started reading about the story and was hooked! The critics hate it, but I never listen to the critics – they rarely like what I like (or what most average Americans like, for that matter)! Once in a while I am sorry I didn’t listen to them – this was NOT one of those times! I am so glad I went to see this movie on Sunday afternoon!!! I was just getting back from a week-long vacation (holiday visit to my Mom’s) and I was tired and had a TON of things I needed to be doing! BUT – the movie had already been out for a week and I hadn’t seen it yet and I REALLY wanted to see it! So — the outside Christmas decorations had to wait cause I chose spending the afternoon at the movies instead of putting them up and it was too dark by the time I got out and back home! Them’s the breaks!!! It was worth it!!!
This is the true story about All-American football player, Michael Oher – but, it is not a movie about football. Yes, there is football and lots of sports related scenes, but it really isn’t about that! It is about a well-to-do southern white family who takes in a poor, homeless black teen, makes him part of their family, and gives them every advantage they gave their own children. It is about that poor, homeless black teenager’s struggles to overcome his past and work hard to have a successful future. It is about a very large, but very shy, quiet, and appreciative young man who realizes what an amazing gift a family who truly cares about him and his potential is. Sound like a work of fiction? A story someone created in a novel? Well, it isn’t — it is a true story and an amazing one, at that!
But, beyond the story, itself…..the movie, as a whole, is well put together, well acted, and told gracefully. Sandra Bullock does an incredible job portraying Leigh Anne Tuohy - an ex-cheerleader who married her college sweetheart and became a very rich lady who dabbles in charitable causes. Tim McGraw portrays Sean Tuohy, who was a college basketball star and earned his fortune starting several fast food chains, like Taco Bell. I like Tim McGraw in films – he did a good job in this role – no, not Oscar worthy, but all performances don’t have to be Oscar candidates to be good! Quinton Aaron is exceptional as Michael Oher - an amazing performance by someone who barely speaks throughout most of the movie, but you know exactly what he is thinking, feeling, and what he is like inside! Incredible! Kathy Bates also has a noteworthy performance as Miss Sue – the tutor the Tuohy’s hire to help Michael bring his grades up so he can have a chance at a college scholarship to play football. The other standout performance was by young Jae Head, who portrayed SJ (Sean Junior) Tuohy. We’re gonna see a lot of this kid! He was a lot of fun to watch as the precocious, enterprising 8-year-old son of the Tuohy’s.
I found this movie to be thought-provoking, heartwarming, interesting, and encouraging. I laughed and cried and left feeling good – everything I expect out of a movie of this type! I don’t like or understand the game of football, but found myself engaged and interested in the football scenes – probably because it really wasn’t about that, at all, but, at the same time, it was more than just a back drop. I highly recommend this movie and hope that the critics don’t ruin the chances of this movie being recognized on some level during the awards season – at least by receiving some nominations!
I rate this one a solid A+! DON’T listen to the critics – go judge for yourself! Take some tissue or napkins in with you, sit back, and enjoy – it’s a good one!
The previews looked intriguing, the cast was a sure bet (Cameron Diaz – love her in just about everything she does, Frank Langella - one of my favorite character actors, James Marsden – such a cutie), and I was all geared up to see a movie! So, I went to my hair appointment this morning and then to meet a friend for lunch at Elizabeth’s. The movie didn’t start until 1:35, so I went back home to let the girls out, check email, and do a couple things. I almost got wrapped up in something and realized almost too late that I needed to leave to make it to the movie on time. I got there with about 10 minutes to spare, got my small popcorn and bottle of water, and went in to grab a seat! There were only two previews that came on while we waited for the movie to start — a REALLY good-looking new Mel Gibson movie called “Edge of Darkness” due out in January and a futuristic looking movie with Denzel Washington that I’m sure I’ll not bother with.
WOW – what an intense experience this movie was! I actually wasn’t looking for this particular movie when I decided to go to a matinee yesterday. I haven’t seen any trailers on it and wasn’t aware of any details. I logged onto Yahoo Movies to see what was playing in the area yesterday to see if there was anything that caught my eye. I noticed this title, but the poster didn’t do anything for me. So, I opened it up to see what the write-up was about – and I was instantly intrigued!!! Then, I saw the cast list – Jamie Fox, Gerard Butler (that one, alone, was enough to convince me), and Colm Meaney. OK, sounded like it would definitely be worth the price of a matinee ticket, so I decided to give it a try!
I know…I’m behind on my reviews! But, not too far behind – I just saw 