Viewed in
2009, 2010
Premise
Based on the Michael Lewis book, Sandra Bullock plays a rich Tennessee mother who takes in a disadvantaged kid named Michael Oher and help him become a good student and athlete.
Who should watch
Those who want to feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Thoughts
The game plan was above average, but its execution was nearly flawless, making this an easy touchdown. Okay, I'm done with NFL analogies.
The strength of the film was the charming performances by all the actors. Sandra Bullock did a good job in an un-Sandra Bullock-like role, but I would not say it made me say 'wow' (other than realizing she can still look sexy in her mid 40's). Jae Head was an scene-stealer as the adorable little brother. Granted I do not watch CMT, but I did not recognize Tim McGraw as the supportive husband, and I thought he did just fine.
That was pretty cool of reach college coaches to play themselves in the film. Though the unintentional comedy is that the majority of them were no longer with the teams they represented in the film only a few years later.
Not sure how close it was to the book, but the story was genuinely uplifting. I could tell the story cared for these characters, who were flawed, real humans, but pretty much were all good people who wanted to do the right things in life.
I would say the only flaw was that things were a little too nice and tidy. Obviously, this was to keep the main story going, keep the audience entertained, and maintain the overall sappy (in a good way) atmosphere throughout the story. Nevertheless, there were times that it crossed the line of plausibility occasionally, which was not helped by the fact that we know the original source was not fiction.
I highly recommend this film, thanks to the actors and the uplifting story. It might not be Christmas themed, but it sure felt like a nice holiday movie for the family.
What I would change
Nothing... well, I might have toned down Lily Collins' (Bullock's daughter) hotness. I understand that a hot mama would produce a hot daughter, but holy cow, she was distractingly attractive for a minor character.
Personal
For hardcore NFL fans, you know about the infamous Theisman injury footage. They show it in the very first scene. I do not know if they showed the actual, gruesome leg break because I closed my eyes when it was supposed to happen. Considering I did not hear the audience gasp in horror, I assume they did not show the break, or it was not as bad as I imagine.
