First there was ROCKY, then we had RUDY, now we draw inspiration and 'enjoyment of Film at its finest in 2009's THE BLIND SIDE!

Rating: 10/10 (6 December 2009)

OKAY, WE HEAR you! ROCKY was a fictional character in a make believe story about imaginary events, bouts and Boxers. In this we heartily concur; but with this one caveat. While ROCKY Star Sly Stallone's screen play is a work conjured up the characters and events from an obviously deep and fertile imagination. The work reflected a keen intellect; far from being that of a real life Rocky Balboa.
IN SHORT, we hold that there is real life inspiration here; that being to a 1975 Heavyweight Bout between Champ Mohamed Ali with an unranked and lesser-known non-contender in Chuck Wepner. There were many elements in the real life fight that were replicated in the ROCKY storyline; including the Challanger knocking the Champ off his feet, the fight's going the full distance of 15 Rounds, the Bigger Than Life Personality of both Ali and 'Appollo Creed', etc.
AS FOR OUR second compare-a-movie subject, we all know that RUDY is based on the real life story of one Andrew 'Rudy' Ruettiger, the kid who wanted more than anything to grow up and to play Football for the University of Notre Dame; eventually doing that thing in spite of being "5 feet nothing', 100 nothing' pounds", etc.
ALTHOUGH THE TWO films both involve the stories of young boys growing up to be apart of Major College Football programs, that's where the similarities between RUDY and today's sacrificial offering,THE BLIND SIDE, end.
WE MUST CONFESS to having a large dose of ignorance operating in our household; being at least in the knowledge of the 'Man of the House'(Me!). The 'Little Woman' (my long-suffering Wife, Deanna) suggested that the two of us sneak off early last Saturday for a 'Matinee'. (Now Schultz, we mean at the nearby Quarry 14 Multiplex in Hodgkins, not any sort of 'Romantic' getaway!)
VERY MUCH TO my surprise, the film was very, very good-on all fronts. It has a great and true story, told in a most enjoyable manner. The casting was excellent with young Quinton Aaron turning in a masterful performance as the abused and neglected young Michael Oher. He at once gave us a main character who was intelligent & deep, yet isolated, under taught, emotionally scarred, lonely and affection starved. He also is discovered to have a great deal of untapped potential in scholastics as well as some obvious potential in athletics. (Can you say Football & Basketball? Can you, Schultz?)
AS HIS ADOPTED family, Tim McGraw does an excellent job of the bread winner (Sean Tuohy) who has the means to financially take on the responsibility of another 'family' member, without there being an immediate strain on the old budget. Mr. Tuohy, you see, owns a string of drive-in fast food restaurants; as it is explained in the movie.
AS FOR THE performance of Miss Sandra Bullock as the Mrs., Leigh Anne Tuohy, we believe that she brought a lot of depth and understanding to the role; being a part that really gave her a chance to show off some very skilled Thespian-type skills! So much of the story turns on the realizations and subsequent actions taken by the one in the role of Mother. The scene where the Tuohy Family encounters 'Big Mike' alone, cold and hungry on a rainy evening in Autumn, is powerfully and realistically rendered. It was truly pivotal to the story. It is at this point where they ponder if their adhering to a Christian way of life was just a matter of words or would they take a real life stance and make their actions speak for them.
ALTHOUGH WHAT WE see is a movie, the story that unfolded to us should make us aware that we all can do even a small act of Chrustian love and kindness toward those in need; not necessarily as great and complex an effort as did the Tuohy Family. Who knows how much human talent and abilities are wasting right now. That's ability and talent that would make the world just a little better place.
AND IN CLOSING, let us try to remember a quote from the Good Book, that goes something like:
"What so ever you do for the Least of My Brethern, you do for me!"
WHAT'S OUR RECOMMENDATION? Well, see it and buy the DVD when it comes out! It's bound to be an Oscar Nominee, at least!