Movie Musings: The Blind Side

For those who read the blog regularly, you know that I recently finished reading Michael Lewis' "The Blind Side" after two years of letting the book collect dust on my shelf. What finally made me decide to pick it up? I saw the book was being turned into a movie and naturally I had to read before I could view!

Let me begin by saying, no movie is ever as good as the book. It is simply impossible to capture every detail, every back story, flesh out every character in only 2 - 3 hours on screen. I went into the showing of "The Blind Side" knowing it couldn't measure up to the book and that I should view it as an entirely separate entity.

Sandra Bullock is the unequivocal star of this movie. With her hair dyed blond, Bullock transforms into Leanne Tuhoy, a woman with a big heart, an iron will and a giant can of whoop ass! Bullock plays the loving mother, the motivating coach, and the disciplinarian all wrapped up in a tiny, stylish package.

Tim McGraw also gives a solid performance as Bullock's supportive husband, Sean. Without his trademark cowboy hat, he is almost unrecognizable, in a good way. Their chemistry is very believable.

The young actor who plays Bullock and McGraw's son S.J. is also a scene stealer. I think they specifically cast boys with freckles and missing teeth! His negotiations with college football recruiters are some of the most memorable moments.

While the book focuses on the importance of the position of left tackle in professional football and how Michael Oher's life created the perfect storm in which he could realize an NFL destiny, the movie focuses on Michael's relationships with the members of the Tuhoy family and the rest of his support team - his football coach and his tutor, Miss Sue.

Although there are a few scary moments, overall the mood of the film is positive, uplifting and at times, quite humorous.

This is a fantastic movie for a date, a family outing, or even a babysitting trip.

With Christmas week fast approaching I am looking forward to catching several new flicks: Sherlock Holmes, It's Complicated, Up in the Air, Precious, Invictus, The Lovely Bones (also based off of a superb book) and The Princess and the Frog.

Stay tuned for more movie musings!

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

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