March 24, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • Page 19 ‘The Blind Side’ tells true story of homeless teen by Dennis Seuling “The Blind Side” (Warner Home Video), available in Blu-ray and DVD, is the true story of homeless African-American teen Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), one of several children abandoned by a crack-addicted single mother. Oher is admitted to a private school despite his low academic standing and need for a place to live and a tutor. These are provided when Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock), wife of a fast-food tycoon, opens her home to the youth. Oher works out on the field with his coaches and receives love and security from Tuohy. This is the role that won Bullock her Best Actress Oscar earlier this month, and it does mark a change from the light comedies she had been turning out over the last several years. The movie never addresses the issues of race that must have arisen between Oher and the family that took him in, and the picture is heavy on sentiment. There are also a number of troubling scenes that strain credibility, such as when Tuohy, dressed in provocative attire and driving her expensive car, enters Oher’s former neighborhood and faces down a group of gang members. Tuohy issues a smart-aleck speech to cap the scene that would more likely result in a call to the paramedics. The essential story is solid, but director John Lee Hancock harks back to the style of those civil rights-era films, often starring Sidney Poitier, that set up real social problems but diluted them with too-easy resolutions. Too much seems pat; complex issues should not have been sidestepped to make “The Blind Side” merely a feel good movie. It should have been far more edgy. The DVD version contains additional scenes. The Bluray edition contains these plus interviews with Bullock, the real Michael Oher and the real Leigh Anne Tuohy; a featurette on actor Quinton Aaron; and conversations between Bullock and Tuohy, and director Hancock and author Michael Lewis. “Brothers” (Lionsgate) is the story of Captain Sam Cahill (Tobey Maguire), husband of Grace (Natalie Portman) and father of two young girls. On the eve of Sam’s deployment to Afghanistan, his brother Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal) is released from prison after a term for armed robbery. Their father (Sam Shepard) does not attempt to hide his pride in Sam and disappointment in Tommy. “Brothers” is a movie about survivors of combat and the toll their experiences take as they attempt to return to civilian life. Other films have dealt with this theme, but none has provided such a raw portrait of how combat veterans are haunted by what they have lived through. Maguire has never tackled a role that demanded so much emotionally. Many of his scenes require him to seem Quinton Aaron (center), Jae Head, and Sandra Bullock in ‘The Blind Side.’ calm while inwardly he is severely damaged. It is easy to like Sam, admire his patriotism and love for his family, and sympathize with him for what he must endure to survive. Director Sheridan does not spare the viewer from the torture, both physical and psychological, to which the Taliban subject Sam. Buzz cut hair and a firm body give Sam the (continued on Crossword page) State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 ������������� �� We’re Back! Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 1 $ 00 VT On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 2 ���������������������������������� � � �� ����� ��������� ��� ���� �������� VT �� �������� ������ ��������� ��� ���� �������������������������������������������� Cook Up Some Business! Featuring: Brown Rice Sushi • No Carb Sushi Roll ��������������������������� Advertise your restaurant in The Villadom TIMES. You’ll reach 56,300 households. �������������������� ������ ���������������������������������������������� ������������