Women are going to seriously dominate the box office this weekend with the opening of the juggernaut New Moon as well as the Sandra Bullock starrer, The Blind Side.
New Moon is the 2nd chapter of the Twilight saga the love story between the mortal Bella Swan and the vampire Edward Cullen. The good thing about this film is that no matter what any critics say this film will be a hit, especially among younger women.
What can I say about the film? It’s totally cheesy and at times pretty bad that you kind of have to cringe. But it’s critic proof just like Transformers 2 was. (BTW – Transformers 2 had only 19% on rotten tomatoes compared to New Moon’s still low 28% as of 7am today.)
Even though the movie has so many problems (I know that Summit wanted to rush out the sequel and didn’t want to give Catherine Hardwicke the time she wanted to make this film better but honestly they should have waited and listened to her) the boring script being the big one, I am excited to watch this movie roll out because I can’t remember the last time a movie with a woman at the center was essentially critic proof. It would be better for all of us if the movie was stronger, but this is a movie that women want to see and they will not be kept away.
If you want to experience a cultural phenomenon go and see it this weekend (if you can get in.) Just be prepared, there will be lots of screaming fans with you in the theatre.
The Blind Side
Here’s my confession. I’m a big Sandra Bullock fan. Don’t know exactly why, but I’m just always rooting for her. Maybe it’s because she knows exactly the type of movies she will be good in (All About Steve notwithstanding) and lays it all out there.
In The Blind Side, Bullock takes on the role of Leigh Anne Tuohy based on the true story of a wealthy white Memphis family who takes in and virtually adopts a young black man. They work hard to help this boy, including hiring tutors to help put him on the road to success. And by success I mean finishing high school, getting a college scholarship, and now having a successful NFL career.
I’m a sucker for a feel good sports movie, but this is not about football the same way that the TV show Friday Night Lights is also not about football. This film is about family and Bullock is great. She kicks butt as the gun toting NRA member who astounds herself and her family by taking in and loving a 350 pound black young man.
It’s hard not to think about Precious when writing about this film. This boy has potential and options that Precious never had. Sports. Sports are still a way out for boys that girls just don’t have. I’m not trying to gloss anything over and say this boy had it easy, he didn’t. He lived on the streets and was lucky to be alive. But when you look at a big boy you can see the potential for his life and his future, and when you look at a girl of the same size you see all the limitations she has. That’s just the reality.
But nonetheless, this is a heartwarming and moving story that’s fun and is a film that both men and women can enjoy.
Man, you are so right about the differences of chances between girls and guys regarding their body size.
right on about the differences between body types posing opportunities vs. limitations.
you rock melissa
I saw the trailer for “The Blind Side”, and even though it is based on a true story, I was really disappointed with the over-reliance on cliches about women and about race, at least in the trailer.
So excited to see The Blind Side tonight. Already bought my tickets–I’m also a huge Sandra Bullock fan. She also seems to be a feminist based on the interviews I’ve read.