This Week's Comfort Movie: 'The Blind Side'
Filed under: Drama, New Releases, Warner Brothers, Fandom
The holiday season usually issues forth an avalanche of award-contending dramas, feel-good family films, and oddball counter programming. Last weekend was no exception, with the debuting Old Dogs, Ninja Assassin, and The Road jostling for attention with New Moon and The Blind Side. Of all those movies, the one that jumps out at me is The Blind Side, which actually increased its audience in its second week of release.
That's a pretty rare feat, especially for a wide release, and speaks to the broad appeal of the film. "Yes, Virginia, Sandra Bullock is the biggest female star in the world... again," in the words of David Poland at The Hot Blog, and there's no doubt that Bullock's celebrity, even more than her compelling, measured performance, is a big draw. Yet with big stars like Will Farrell and Jim Carrey failing to bring in the expected box office this year, Bullock is not the whole story. Nor is it only a matter of the movie being "generically acceptable [for families] to watch together over the holiday weekend," as our own Eugene Novikov suggested, although, to be fair, it's likely that 'the Sandie Bullock football movie' would be an easier sell to more families to watch together than 'the bare-chested boy vampire romance' or 'the violent ninja flick.'
No, I think it's clear that positive word of mouth has spread. What have people told their friends? Maybe that the first, widely-seen and frequently-mocked (by me) trailer was not representative of the movie as a whole, which comes by its emotions honestly.
Maybe that it's not a "football flick" as much as it is a simple character drama. Maybe that Sandra Bullock is really, really good in the movie. Maybe that there's a healthy share of gentle humor sprinkled throughout. Or maybe that it's a comfort movie, with reassuring values and a family-first orientation, along with a positive view of a religious woman. During these difficult times, it's as healing and relaxing as a warm bath on a cold day.
Of course, not everybody is a fan, and some have reacted harshly. Though Rotten Tomatoes says general critical reaction is 74% positive, a more narrow range of "elite" critics are barely positive with a score of 53 at Metacritic. I have reservations about the film, and poked a little fun at its racial politics last week, but I have no trouble recommending it, as did our reviewer, Jette Kernion. What have you told your friends about The Blind Side? Stay away or don't miss?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-01-2009 @ 12:56PM
Sir Loin said...
I thought it was great, Bullock was hilarious yet serious where she needed to be. The theater was packed and everyone stayed to see the photos of the real family during the credits. Highly recommended, especially for families.
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12-01-2009 @ 2:32PM
cablebfg said...
yea, the theater remained full for the photos at the end. Impressive to see.
12-01-2009 @ 1:56PM
Riley Freeman said...
Just one of those feel good stories
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12-01-2009 @ 2:28PM
Benjamin said...
I think it is a great film. We tried to see it a three different cineplexes and it was sold out for both the 7P and 9P screenings on opening night. I still saw lines and sellouts the second weekend. This film plays to the 80% of Americans who profess their faith. This is the audience that wants a positive and real story encouraging the good in people. A story that uplifts a down trodden nation. This is the audience Hollywood, in its quest for self appreciation, awards and secular messages, has forgotten. It is no surprise that this story resonates with American audiences and is doing better than expected. It recognizes our Christian values without ridiculing them. With Sandra Bullock (who does an excellent job) or not... the film doesn't need critical approval to connect with an audience hungry for relatable stories.
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12-01-2009 @ 2:31PM
cablebfg said...
To be fair, I don't remember the Christian themes that play in the movie to be apparent in the advertisements. Still very interesting to see the film unabashedly show off Christian values.
12-01-2009 @ 2:29PM
cablebfg said...
I was actually asked if it was a "must see". I told them it wasn't, but that it was definitely worth their time and money to see a quality film that blended drama and humor well.
Something that could be missed, but you would be much better served seeing this than alot of other movies that released this year.
Bullock was great in the film, and has the attitude that seems to match her real-life character. Who told Joe Flacco he needed to get rid of the ball quicker. How is that for spunky?
It is pretty incredible that it IMPROVE by nearly 18% in its second week, and nearly beat Twilight. Impressive. Worth of mouth really helped this film along.
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12-01-2009 @ 4:00PM
Niall said...
This sounds like just the thing to see after seeing "The Road".
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12-01-2009 @ 9:20PM
Joel said...
I'm a high school teacher, and I absolutely recommended it. It's one of those that I could feel comfortable recommending to my parents, my coworkers, my students, my students' parents--all with the knowledge that everyone would enjoy it.
It's absolutely a comfort movie, but it's well made, well acted, and a pretty heartwarming story. There aren't enough movies like this made, I think.
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12-02-2009 @ 1:19PM
Dan said...
I was back home for Thanksgiving and my parents were going to see it and asked me if I wanted to go. I was REALLY skeptical but bored, so I went. I absolutely loved it. I had no idea that Sandra Bullock was even capable of pulling off a role like that...she was just flat out really, really good. Another thing that struck me as so awesome was that it had all the familiar trappings of an underdog-football story, but it avoided them, or at least, spun them in an original way. It WAS a feel-good, comfort movie, but one that earns it, IMO. I reccomend it wholeheartedly.
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12-21-2009 @ 11:23PM
James said...
I saw it yesterday with two friends (also over the age of...whatever). For a Friday a.m. showing, there were only 6 patrons in the theatre. Regardless, we all laughed, awed, and enjoyed. The actors and actresses were perfect in their parts. Kudos to Quinton Aaron and Sandra Bullock for their lead acting! I don't know who did the casting, but they deserve a BIG raise (AND a bonus!). I'd watch this again just for the laughs alone.
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