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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All About Steve

Goolphipp Award: 2 (See the Cheap Matinee)

Phipps:
All About Steve from the get-go reminded me of some other movie. Her red boots reminded me of Happy Go Lucky too much – crayon purple might have been a better choice. It was one of those movies where you had to grow to love the main character, and just when you wanted it all to work out – it simply doesn’t. At the end, you are left with your mouth hanging open in disbelief. It’s too bad, because you want this neurotically inclined, crossword-loving, smart girl to get the dude in the end. That being said, there were a lot of laughs along the way. I enjoyed the journey across the country with Mary. I did like the supporting cast. They were fun, and well cast. The details in this movie were stellar. Like I said, I would have loved this movie if Steve would have said, “When’s our second date?” at the end, but he didn’t. What’s a romance without a happy ever after? We need the kiss at the end. So, like Mary, we have to continue to search for a movie as normal as us.

Phipps overall: 2
Laughs kept it from being a total tanker.

Goolsby:
I agree with everything Phipps said. This movie marketed itself as a romantic comedy, not some coming of age movie. Therefore, I had expectations that were not met. Plain and simple. As you can tell from Phipps, the girl doesn't get the boy. The end was just sort of flat, not worthy of the character they build throughout the movie.

Want to hear the good things? We've got apple people carvings, a baby born with three legs, the classic scene of Mary falling down a mine hole, tornadoes, random outfits that don't match, and a crossword - all about Steve. All in all, that's not much. If I can't recall details that keep me laughing after the movie is said and done, it missed. I would say it had so much potential, but I would be lying. It had potential to be slightly more than average, but fell short because of the unsatisfying ending.

Goolsby overall: 2
Try again.

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The Proposal

Goolphipp Award: 3.9 (Worth 11 Bucks)

Goolsby:
This romantic comedy delivers the goods. Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock have this weird chemistry that works in an odd way. I loved the character Andrew Paxton (Reynolds) – he was obtainable in that down to earth way. I love the dynamic of the Paxton family too. The hard working dad Joe (Craig Nelson), the fitting mother Grace (Mary Steenburgen), and the most random grandmother I’ve seen on film in a long time (Betty White). Betty White randomly does this nature dance that ends up into a rendition of “Get Low” by Lil’ Jon.

It was a good mix with a clean simple plot, not complicated or drawn out. It was evenly paced and contained all the elements you need for a grade-A romantic comedy. And that Ryan Reynolds is sure dang dashing.

Oh, just remember the dog! There is a dog that get swooped up by a hawk, and I swear, it was the best.

Goolsby overall: 4.75
As far as romantic comedies go, it was great. If I ever go to Alaska, I’m for sure going to Sitka (even though the movie wasn’t filmed there).

Phipps:
I felt that Reynolds and Bullock had about zero romantic chemistry; they had chemistry as friends or siblings, sure, but I don’t think they were feeling amour. I just couldn’t buy it. That being said, this movie was light-hearted and fun. Reynolds, of course, is hilarious and dare I say it, hunky in Alaskan flannels.

The storyline was typical, but Alaska helps…as does Betty White’s crazy character. Loved the “baby-maker” quilt. Of course, I’m always won over by crazy families and dog-snatching eagles.

It’s a good escape, but I won’t buy it...but then again, Ryan Reynolds is a stud. He can “propose” to me any day!

Phipps overall: 3
It’s middle of the road. Keep it for a DVD rental or a girl’s night out.

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