2009-11-17 04:12:30

THE BLIND SIDE: Sheer Entertainment

Filed under: Faith,Film,Justice
Posted by: Craig

I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard Christians express a hunger to see their faith portrayed in a forthright manner onscreen.   Nobody wants to see something preachy.  They simply long to find a film that shows how beliefs are translated into tangible actions.   Surely, daily discipleship decisions can be translated into cinematic terms.

Prayers have been answered with a remarkably entertaining film, THE BLIND SIDE.   This real life story of football player Michael Oher comes from the acclaimed pen of Michael Lewis (author of Moneyball and The New New Thing).   But The Blind Side is a much more than a football story.   It is a tribute to families, to the power of adoption, to the practical difference one family can make.   At a time when we desperately need heroic actions, The Blind Side delivers refreshing role models.

Sandra Bullock is so compelling as Leigh Anne Tuohy.  She absolutely owns the screen with a ferocity so rarely afforded to cinematic mothers.    She is such a charming and persuasive Southern belle.  As Big Mike, newcomer Quintin Aaron softens, breaks and then restores our hearts.   It is such a strong understated performance.   John Lee Hancock (The Rookie) directs a winning cast.  He makes us care deeply about the characters and their predicaments.   Cynical reviewers may consider their choices cloying.  Some have called the film paternalistic (white family rescues poor black boy).  But I’d suggest that The Blind Side earns respect through conscientious actions.

I had the privilege of previewing the film and writing a study guide.   It includes downloadable scenes from The Blind Side.  While New Moon may capture most of the headlines this weekend, The Blind Side will quietly renew your faith in Hollywood and in what a difference we can each make if we simply live out our convictions.   It will join the ranks of Rudy and Hoosiers as an instant sports classic.  Not because of action on the gridiron, but rooted in the transformation that occurs within Michael Oher and the viewer.

Comments (17)

17 Comments »

1. if i can’t watch the trailer without SOBBING, how many tissues will i go through in the movie? we are planning on seeing it as a family on sunday. can’t wait.

   Comment by lea marshall — November 18, 2009 @ 3:38 pm

2. [...] takers?  One of the judges, Craig Detweiler, is a friend and his involvement with the contest only heightens my [...]

   Pingback by faith on campus video contest « signs of life — November 20, 2009 @ 5:01 am

3. THIS MOVIE IS THE BEST OF 2009. THIS MOVIE IS ALL ABOUT FAMILY AND THATS WHAT I’M ALL ABOUT.

   Comment by peter vaovasa — December 11, 2009 @ 12:25 am

4. I just wanted to say that these people are absolutely amazing! In a world of hate and sorrow these people took this boy into their home and loved him and treated him like their own…and guess what? He is their own! God bless them all!!!

   Comment by Debi — December 11, 2009 @ 6:50 pm

5. God was watching out for michael and he sent his Angels to protect and keep him safe may God continue to bless the Touhy family.

   Comment by Michelle — December 11, 2009 @ 9:47 pm

6. Me and my wife thought this was one of the best if not the best movies we have ever viewed.

   Comment by rene magana — December 12, 2009 @ 9:58 am

7. Wow, I had no idea what this film was going to be about, other than Sandra was no blonde, and it blows my mind how truly Christian values are shown. But not in a preachy way. A way that makes sense and I think it showed that people come first. Not money, fame, lusty vampires, cheap jokes etc.

   Especially liked how the movie showed the plight of the true believers journey through the hypocritical and evil paths and how easy it would be to fall into them.

   Comment by Nick — December 13, 2009 @ 11:52 am

8. I watch all kind of movies and have difficulties finding one that is good! i always rate them from 1 to 5 and this one i can say TOP 10points

   Comment by Mr Ice — December 14, 2009 @ 5:05 am

9. i really love the story. touch my heart so much.

   Comment by margie — December 15, 2009 @ 9:53 pm

10. Wow!! it’s amazing what Michael did. but the people who help you are incredible. i saw the movie last night at the cinema and i’m crying. i ‘m very proud for you. I’d like to say hi to your little brother and sister and your dad and mom–the Tuohy family. I’m from montreal, canada. i don’t care how far the distance to know a good people. i’m working for a honda car dealer. i’m a sales man. Good luck to Michael Oher and the Tuohy family!

    Comment by dany lafond — December 16, 2009 @ 12:52 pm

11. I found this to be the best movie for sure!! The cast was amazing, but more so the story. I laughed, I cried, I laughed I cried.
    So many people should take lessons from this story, and may Michael continue to pay it forward as the Touy’s did… what a great film and story, an even better reality.!

    Comment by Gwen — December 16, 2009 @ 4:27 pm

12. I just left the cinema 3 1/2 hours ago and wow, I can’t believe how wonderful this movie was. The acting was perfect.
    The storyline, incredible. I went in not knowing too much about it, which I think was a good thing because I didn’t have any expectations. I came out, speechless.
    It touches your heart in so many ways. If everyone who “can” would reach out to those who “can’t,” imagine what a better world we would live in. I hope that everyone who sees this movie will make an effort to help those who really need the help. Not just because it’s Christmas and we are all jolly and wanting to give, but because it’s the right thing to do. That’s what we were created for. It doesn’t have to be as big as this story, but it should be at least something. Every little bit can make a difference.

    Comment by Cheryl — December 17, 2009 @ 1:45 am

13. Wow! I just finished watching this great movie. The whole time I was watching the movie, I had no idea it was a true story. The movie made me laugh and cry. The Toohy’s are such great people and Michael, you are soooo blessed. Please pay it forward one day. Your family is awesome and so are you Michael.

    Comment by Jay Matthews — December 19, 2009 @ 7:19 am

14. I used to hate the Ravens because of Ray Lewis, (he rated his friend out) now that I saw the movie, I found my self pulling for the Ravens. I thought the movie was great,I don’t cry often, but I did have a teary eye a couple of times during the movie.

    Comment by Yaser Allan — December 20, 2009 @ 12:46 am

15. This movie is amazing — God Bless the Tuohy’s and Michael Ohre…. I saw this movie yesterday and I can’t stop thinking about it… what an incredible story, an incredible family, and an incredible man.

    Comment by Rita — December 20, 2009 @ 5:30 pm

16. I live in Montenegro, in Europe, and i watch film about Michael Oher and Michael’s family Touhy. Story abuot Michael is amazing. Touhy’s people is wonderful and make this world better. Film is greate.

    Comment by Almir — December 21, 2009 @ 5:35 pm

17. just watched this movie and it was amazing!
    This movie shows how there are so many needy people that have the potential to be great but have a difficult backround
    God bless the the Tuohy family

    Comment by Stephen — December 24, 2009 @ 9:33 pm

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