The Blind Side

Goolphipp Award: 4.4 (No Peanuts Chucked)

Phipps:
I kept hearing about this movie. I knew I had to see it, and I wasn't disappointed either. The character of Michael Oher's foster mother, Leigh Anne Tuohy, a formidable woman in real life to be sure, carried the movie. That lady was tough as nails and also kind - a mother bear to be sure. I couldn't help but admire her. She was brilliantly portrayed by Sandra Bullock. Bullock has been nominated for a Golden Globe for this role (and rightly so). There were no special effects, no earth-shattering action, but it doesn't matter. It hits you in the gut, makes you care, makes you cheer - not just for Michael but for the entire family. One of my favorite lines from this movie is "Who knew we'd have a black son before we knew a democrat?" Which says something about Tennessee. I think one of the successes of this movie is capturing the Southern culture - the big hair, the hospitality, the Bible-belt-ness, sports-centered life, family, and both sides of the tracks in Memphis. I've driven through Memphis before, and I saw some of the nice streets and I saw some of the shady streets. The Blind Side had both, and I appreciated that. It's my opinion that everyone should see this movie at some point, and maybe you'll be inspired. I hope, if the situation ever arose, I would have the courage to do what the Tuohys did.

Phipps overall: 4.5
This year's My Big Fat Greek Wedding - a sleeper hit and feel-good movie.

Goolsby:
Okay, first and foremost – let’s give a shout out to all the offensive linemen out there. I don’t claim to be a big football fan, but my brother played offensive tackle all 4 years of high school, and I cheered him along (in between my R.L. Stine books haha) - Go Bubba. This movie is based on the real life story of Michael Oher who currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens. Sandra Bullock plays the rich white Tennessee mother that takes him into her family. Bullock gave a performance that deserves all the Oscar-hype. I love a movie that mixes comedy and drama. The Blind Side did just that. Jae Head played the role of S.J. (Bullocks' son) and he stole every scene he was in. We’ll have to watch out for this little guy, he was hilarious. The best part of this movie is you knew it would end well, so it made sitting through the emotional drama worth it.

Goolsby overall: 4.25
A great family film.

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My Life in Ruins

Goolphipp Award: 3.6

Audience: Post-college chick flick crowd+
Although this does star Nia Vardalos and is based around the Greek culture, it is not My Big Fat Greek Wedding – so don’t treat it like it is. Take My Life in Ruins as what it is.

Goolsby: We went to a showing around dinner time, and were surrounding by people twice our senior – people who could be our parents and grandparents. I’m not sure why this happened, as the movie seems more directed at the 25-35 year old range. It’s a wholesome movie, with sex, so no lame teenagers.

Phipps: I agree with Goolsby, most teens will probably say, “huh?” But, in general, your average female will appreciate the movie - every girl wants to feel sexy and be in love. Guys will be kind of bored, so you might want to plan a girl’s night out around this one!

Where’s the Drama: Finding your kefi
Keeping to the Greek tradition, this movie is all about finding your kefi – your mojo.

Phipps: While this movie might seem slow to some, I appreciated the subtlety. Life is mostly subtle, is it not? Poupi and Georgia develop into a couple, they don’t meet-and-fall-into-the-sack. I liked the different side characters – tossing all these stereotypes together creates appropriate drama. All the characters were crazy, but lovable.

Goolsby: The drama is in the slow unveil of the love interest Poupi Kakas, played by the Greek stud Alexis Georgoulis. From bearded mountain man to GQ model in a suit, he pulls it off flawlessly. What better way to find your kefi? Swoon.

Storyline: Basic

Phipps: Pretty basic, but it’s fun. I’ve been on tours before, and you don’t necessarily get to know people as much as the film portrays…but then again, my family didn’t have to deal with a bus crash, a competing tour guide, a hospital visit, and haggling!

Goolsby: While Georgia, played by Nia Vardalos, takes a group of tourist around Greece, you not only get to see her character unfold, but the tourist as well. Irv, played by Richard Dreyfuss, was a treat. Each of the tourists had their own story to tell and it contrasted well next to Georgia’s.

Delivery: Expected

Goolsby: I didn’t go into this movie expecting the world, so I wasn’t disappointed. It’s not a deep movie, so there wasn’t that much to be impressed by. It had a good mix of humor and drama, and everyone did well.

Phipps: I’m satisfied with the movie. Georgia walking for miles on uneven streets in heels kind of bothered me – totally unrealistic! But overall, I have no complaints. Alexis Georgoulis was sweet…and ridiculously masculine at the same time – some men should take lessons!

Phipps overall: 3.5
Solid 3. It was fun. I left without being depressed. I left thinking it was worth spending the ten bucks…and that’s saying something in this economy. Oh, and you can watch it with your grandma.

Goolsby overall: 3.75
My Life in Ruins just didn’t have that pizzazz that I was hoping for. It was a nice afternoon treat none the less.

Goolphipp award: 3.6 (Worth 11 Bucks)

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