John Lee Hancock

The Blind Side, without being too didactic (at least not beat-you-over-the-head-level-sermonizing) about it, is a cinematic manifesto expounding the Golden Rule. It inspires non-cynical viewers (and even cynics like me, willing to suspend their cynicism for one hour and forty-five minutes) for all the right - if only mildly trite - reasons. Universal reasons like Good overcoming Evil. Compassion conquering Redneck Racism. Sacrificial, beyond-the-call-of-duty, Hospitality, trumping pampered show more self-interest and indifference to a pulp, even as it undermines the movie's matriarch's (played Oscar-marvelously by Sandra Bullock) standing in high-falutin', Southern high society.

The Blind Side is about a wealthy, entrepreneurial, and loving family that opens it home, er, mansion, to an abandoned, neglected, near-mute young man, Michael. Michael's near-mute because of his sickening-to-consider, family losses: No Mom, no Dad, no nothing. Michael is big and athletic, with "protective instincts," which is about all he's got going for him. Turns out, along with his big heart, that's all he'll need. And a tutor. And a football coach willing to let (or maybe he didn't have a choice) Michael take some unsolicited, on-the-field and in-your-face "coaching" from his "Mom," Sandra Bullock.

Feel-good cliches gallore? But of course. Am I complaining? No.

Do the bad guys on the football field and their foul-mouthed denim-vest clad Dads in the high school stands get their collective, beer-gutted and bigoted asses smacked without the good guys having to throw a single punch? Hmmm. Could be. Wouldn't be a family friendly, heartwarming football flick without it, would it? Will you cry? You just might!

Remember Rudy? Remember the Titans?

Hell yes I do, and I think The Blind Side, a decade out, will be remembered fondly along side them. And the story of Michael ("Big Mike") - homeless at seventeen and in the NFL at twenty-two - is a true story too, as well as a courageous young man's dream come true. show less

An excellent film, with Emma Thompson brilliantly starring as PL Travers, the author of Mary Poppins, in conversation with Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) as they talk about the possibility of making the film.

Beautifully done, including some poignant flashbacks into the author's childhood which help to explain some of her uptight, rigid nature and why the creation of Mary Poppins and the Banks family are so important to her.

Very highly recommended to teens and adults.

Longer review here: show more target="_top">https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2024/01/saving-mr-banks-emma-thompson.html show less

A poignant, sometimes amusing ,and thought-provoking film involving a young man who has been brought up in.a series of foster homes, and has impressive ball skills. Quinton Aaron is excellent as 17-year-old Michael, and Sandra Bullock wonderful as the warm-hearted but feisty Leigh Anne who takes him into her family.

A good story with many intriguing insights and questions, rated 12 (PG-13) due to some violence, scenes involving drugs and bad language, but none of these were gratuitous. show more

Definitely recommended.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-blind-side-quinton-aaron.html show less

Enjoyable. I struggled with the Southern US accents at times - there were more than a few not sure what was just said moments. But it kept me interested most of the way - 10 mins shorter might have been better.