Start a story with a moral in mind, then the story, by neccessity, becomes afterthought. Start a story with a
story in mind - as the Blind Side does - then the moral fiber can interweave far more organically. Quote-unquote Christian screenwriters, please, for the love of God, take note. This true story of Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle, Michael Oher, is inspirational, sans (most of) any shoehorned sermonizing. Verdict:
[C+]
Hey Randy! Congratulations on your baby, btw! I think Kyle probably told you, but now I can actually tell you person-to-person!
ReplyDeleteSo I'm curious what your criteria is for rating this? Is it whether it stays consistent with the moral theme?
I thought there were many factors that made this movie heads and tails above maaaaaany of the others out there. I think it deserves better than a C+.
Thanks, MiracleFish. My MiracleBaby is a wonder, each and every day. Pardon for falling into parental-cliche territory, but that's where I'm at right now.
ReplyDeleteI think the Blind Side's only crime is pulling too many punches. It achieves a feel-good middle ground without truly facing the threats inherent to Michael Oher's story. It doesn't plunge the depths, so it doesn't attain the heights.
But holler at us. What made this one "heads and tails" ("head or shoulders"? whatever!) above the others of its type?
(Just kidding with the heads and tails thing.)
Addendum: Your question, MiracleFish, was totally fair. I didn't fully justify the C+ in the original post.
ReplyDeleteFish don't have shoulders. But they do have tails.
ReplyDeleteOk....I won't lie, I'm slightly biased because I LOOOOOOVE Sandra Bullock and I thought this really was one of her best films. She really committed to the part and it shows. She made a story and its characters come to life. I also love strong female leads and I thought she portrayed both a an astounding level of strength and vulnerability in the film.
ReplyDeleteI thought the little boy was great too!
I didn't know the story, so I was moved by the story. I really thought the movie was going to be cheesy and cliche, but I was pleasantly surprised by how intertwined the characters were with each other. There was a depth with all the characters and everyone was believable and relevant to the plot.
I loved it. I would buy this. My verdict would be A-/B+.
:)
Kyle: I think fish could have shoulders...if they were that awesome dragon, Toothless, they would!!!! AHHH!!! I wanna see that movie again!