THE BLIND SIDE movie trailer will bring tears to the eyes of Ole Miss fans and non-believers alike. by COOP

Michael Oher, former star offensive lineman for the Ole Miss football team, could become a household name across America on November 20^th.  Less than a month after he begins his first regular season game in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens, Oher’s life story will premiere in movie theaters across the country.  For all of us Ole Miss fans who’ve been cheering for Oher since 2004, this film will mark yet another victorious event.

Adapted from the 2006 Michael Lewis book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, the movie tells the heart wrenching story of Oher (Quinton Aaron), a shy, overweight teen who lived a hopeless, poverty-stricken life on the streets of Memphis, TN.  With his father murdered and his mother on crack cocaine, Oher flunked his way in and out of school until providence leads him to a second chance at a private school. 

With Oher still in dire straits, Sean and Leigh Anne Touhy (Tim McGraw and Sandra Bullock) take pity on the teen and bring him into their home.  Through their love and support, he becomes a part of their family and quickly rises as a high school football star.  Despite a host of generous offers, Oher honors his adopted family by enrolling at their alma mater, the University of Mississippi, becoming a first-team All American his freshman year.  His college career garnered him a number of awards and honors, making him a shining example of triumph over adversity in the South.

Thankfully, Mississippi and the rest of the South can add this film to the list of inspirational and positive films about the region which Hollywood often portrays as a hotbed of intolerance and racism. 

With Oher training for his first year of pro ball, the release of “The Blind Side” is perfectly timed, not only for his career, but also as ideal family viewing for the Thanksgiving holidays. 

I expect “The Blind Side” to achieve an adequate box office success nationwide, but in Northern Mississippi, it could turn into a highly-anticipated, holiday season event.  The Oxford Studio Cinema should prepare for multiple screen viewings and sold-out shows for at least two or three weeks.  As for myself, I hope I can get a seat opening night.

“The Blind Side” will release in theaters on November 20^th.  You can watch a preview trailer of the film at Smalltowncritic.com. 

Watch the tear-jerking trailer below (P.S. As a fan of Oher and Ole Miss football, I am suspending my dislike for Sandra Bullock for this film)…

-C

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