A Feel-Good Movie, but it's a True Story

Rating: 7/10 (18 June 2011)

This film had its moments. The actor who portrayed Big Mike did a great subtle job of portraying a young man who was in the process of being rescued from a nightmare life. Sandra Bullock portrayed a real-life person who just happened to be bigger than life. I don't think the movie was all that realistic and I don't think all the issues were explored in depth.It was definitely sugar coated and could have benefited from some realistic dialogue and better screen writing. I don't think Sandra Bullock deserved Best Actress. She didn't seem to add any depth or emotion to her character. SJ was played by a cute kid, but he needed to act more like a kid. The daughter and the husband were complete cyphers; walking scenery.The scene where Michael is tormented by gang members while sitting in their apartment in the projects was played out very well. It was very realistic when Michael snapped. Very good acting. All in all, I would recommend this movie. Good entertainment. The true story is quite remarkable and the tragedy turns former high school athletes into dead thugs was also addressed.