The Blind Side (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 9 out of 10

Since a few of you have requested, here is my review of "The Blind Side."

Set in Memphis, Tennessee, it centers around Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock), a feisty Southern socialite. Leigh Ann befriends, and eventually adopts, a quiet, basically homeless African-American gentle giant named Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). She helps him catch up in school, and his size gets him on the football team, laying out a bright future.

I was surprised at how funny this film was. Leigh Anne's younger son SJ is absolutely hilarious. And some of Leigh Anne's ways of dealing with racists are a bit funny.

The big highlight is Bullock's performance, which was rightfully praised by several critics and is definitely Oscar-worthy. But Aaron also has a couple of good moments, such as his confrontation with Leigh Anne after a meeting with an investigator, which was quite riveting and really hit home.

The film also explores the difference between Leigh Anne's sunshine life and Michael's dark past. The portrayal of the impoverished neighborhood where Michael grew up was eye opening. One of the best scenes was when Michael uses his arm to stop the airbag from hitting SJ when he rams his truck into the back of a semi.

Whether you're a sports fan or not, everybody needs to see this movie!!!

Invictus (James)

Sam and I had to press the pause button on our trip to see Invictus due to a fire alarm that closed Celebration Cinema. As a result, we were delayed a week, and the wait was worth it. The movie was thought provoking and led to some great discussion.

The best part about Invictus was the performance of Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela. I knew Mandela was a terrific leader, and this movie does an excellent job of depicting the culture of grace and truth Mandela worked so hard to create after he became president of South Africa. Freeman captured the inner turmoil Mandela endured due to painful family issues, and he also delivered many profound Mandela quotes with effortless skill.

Outside of Freeman, no one else in the cast was particularly memorable but the performances were solid. This includes Matt Damon, who was steady but not spectacular as the captain of the Springboks rugby team.

The only negative side was Sam and I endured some louder than usual movie goers, including lady who noisily jostled her popcorn and a man who answered and spoke on his cell phone during the movie.

I'd give the movie 6.83 out of 10!!

Invictus (Sam)

RANKING: 8 out of 10

I went to see this movie twice, both times with my dad. However, the first time I went, I didn't actually see it. Apparently there was a minor fire at the movie theater, Celebration Cinema, so the entire theater was shut down. So, we went back a second time after Christmas.

The film is set in the 1990s, in the first few months of Nelson Mandela's (Morgan Freeman) presidency in South Africa. He has just been released from prison, and doesn't like to talk about his family. His secret service consists of both black and white men. Mandela decides to use South Africa's rugby team to help South Africa rise to become one of the main global powers, which he meets with the team captain (Matt Damon) about.

This film is better than other critics say it is (the only review I've seen of it gives it a 6 out of 10). But there are some complaints to be lodged in there. The final game is overlong, boring, and confusing. And the critics were right when they said that the film doesn't explain rugby, a sport little known to Americans, well enough.

But the performances really help this movie. Freeman in particular is virtually unrecognizable as Nelson Mandela, with a very believable accent. Damon is equally good as the rugby team captain. The film also centers around class distinction, such as the secret service consisting of mixed races, the rugby team visiting a very improverished neighborhood, and police officers excitedly lifting a homeless boy after the team's win.

"Invictus," isn't the most entertaining film ever. But believe me, it's worthwhile...a great film to use for my first review!