"The Blind Side"

I watched this movie for the first time just a few months ago, and promptly got the idea to get it for Bethany for Christmas.  I am not necessarily a big fan of "sports movies" but The Blind Side falls into different category along with movies like "Remember the Titans," and "The Natural."  Truly moving sports films that have much more to do than just the love of the game.

"The Blind Side" in itself uses the football metaphor and takes it new directions.  Allowing a boy from the projects to develop into something powerful, protective, and gentle (all qualities that are ironically a result of his hard life as a child.)  Watching Michael develop his skills as a football player offer an insight into his character as a gentle giant, but also as someone who will protect those that he loves.

This is an amazing film and well worthy of the Oscar nominations, and best actress win achieved by Sandra Bullock.  In all, it is a story about football, family, understanding what it means to be hospitable, and how to find the courage to trust those whom you look up to.

-David

On the DVD cover of The Blind Side it says, "Based on the extraordinary true story." Extraordinary. I couldn't have said it better. This is a movie you can feel good about showing your family. It's a movie about perseverance, hope, and love. We see a young man who has been neglected, abandoned, and is homeless, sleeping on people's couches some nights, the school gym on others. Michael Oher is portrayed as a very gentle spirit, who doesn't expect anything from anyone. He accepts kindness from others, but doesn't go looking for it.

Sandra Bullock does a brilliant job of playing Leigh Anne Tuohy, the woman who saw a young man in need and instead of looking the other way, she invited him into her home. She is an incredible example of the type of person I think we all wish we could be. She and her family show someone who has been neglected most of his life, if not all, what it is like to be a part of a family that cares and loves and takes care of each other.

Everyone in this movie does a great job, from the spunky kid who plays SJ (I told David I want to have a kid like him someday), the daughter, Tim McGraw, and the actress who plays Michael's tutor. I just love the scene when she discloses to Leigh Anne that she is a democrat. And later the comment is made by either Leigh Anne or her husband, "who'd thought we'd have a black son before we met a democrat?"

Anyway, this is a wonderful movie, and I would very highly recommend it. It's really nice to see Hollywood make a movie so positive and uplifting that is also based on a true story. Nicely done.

-Bethany

"Blazing Saddles"

Badges??!!  We don't need no stinking badges!"  What follows is the first of several Mel Brooks films that we will be reviewing.  I have to say that I don't like everything that he has done, but the majority of his films crack me up.  "Blazing Saddles" like many Mel Brooks films are full of very simple humor, lots of slapstick and puns.  What he does so well, is poking fun at characters of different races and religions and backgrounds in his films, and yet in the end.., especially as in "Blazing Saddles" bringing all of these different backgrounds together to make for a happy ending.

Part of what I like about this film so much is getting to see Gene Wilder.  He is a comic genius, and has so many weird quirks that fit so well in the character that he portrays.  Mel Brooks is a great comedian as well, and his portrayal of the Governor in this film is a hilarious portrayal of the corrupt politician. 

If you aren't overly offended by things that might be considered un-PC, and enjoy laughing at slapstick and simple but funny jokes, this classic film is for you!

-David

Mel Brooks. He did this film. That's about all you need to know. If you know Mel Brooks at all. Blazing Saddles is a fun, quirky film that I do enjoy and that pokes fun at so much, you just have to roll your eyes or laugh. I do enjoy the music, such as a group of railroad workers singing, "I get no kick from cocaine..." or Lily Von Stook and her lovely rendition of, "I'm so tired." In fact, I feel pretty tired myself and David had to nudge me a couple times as I kept trying to fall asleep during the end of this film. Not because it's not interesting, but I've seen it a couple times, and let's face it, I'm tired. Gene Wilder is also in this film and is of course as clever as ever, as is the actor who plays the sheriff.

You do have to appreciate Mel Brooks humor, and if you are unfamiliar with him as a director, you may want to do some research first. He's also responsible for films such as The Producers and Young Frankenstein. All in all, good satire and at times, just plain fun.

-Bethany