Coffee Break with Liz and Kate

The Blind Side – Movie Review by Kate

Reel reviews for real people

Release Date: Nov. 20, 2009

Rating: PG-13 for one scene involving brief violence, drug and sexual references.

Genre: Drama

Staring: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates, Quinton Aaron

Plot: Drama. “The Blind Side” depicts the remarkable true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him… “The Blind Side” depicts the remarkable true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher’s presence in the Touhys’ lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, becomes an All-American offensive left tackle. –© Warner Bros.

Director: John Lee Hancock

Running Time: 2:05

Kate says: 3 1/2 stars I’m a sucker for a feel good sports movie, and that’s exactly what The Blind Side is – a movie about sports that will make you feel good…really good.  You’re going to leave this movie with a smile on your face and  happiness in your heart.  Sandra Bullock shows a whole new side of her acting skills, giving a surprisingly mulit-layered and convincing performance.  Some critics are even creating an Oscar buzz about her portrayal of Leigh Anne Touhy.

Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune) – 2 stars “The Blind Side” fumbles a remarkable, true story of an African-American product of the West Memphis projects…Many will respond to Oher’s story, even in this tepid version.” (read full review)

Roger More (Orlando Sentinel) says: “Hancock manages to turn a movie that could have been about nothing more than “white guilt” into something that surprisingly defies expectations and can be downright inspiring. Talk about being hit on your blind side… Bullock gives her best performance in years“ (read full review)

Eric Snider says: B “You wouldn’t have guessed that what appears to be a generic inspirational drama — starring Sandra Bullock, in a pronounced Southern accent, helping an unfortunate black teenager — would turn out to be as sophisticated and respectable as this.” (read full review)

Rotten Tomatoes says: 68% “Consensus: It might strike some viewers as a little too pat, but The Blind Side has the benefit of strong source material and a strong performance from Sandra Bullock.”

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