The Blind Side (2009)

Michael ‘Big Mike’ Oher (Quinton Aaron) is a victim of circumstances. Born into a broken home to a cokehead of a mother, Michael is a vagrant on the wrong side of the tracks at 16. Enter Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock) and Sean Tuohy (Tim McGraw). Taken in by the affluent family, Michael is giving the keys to success and rises to the occasion with a little help from the tenacious Leigh Anne. The opportunities afforded Michael blossom as he does resulting in a family and a community benefiting.

In this cynical age, it’s hard to find a film that endears without the saccharine feel. The Blind Side is a rare example success. Sandra Bullock leads an ensemble cast that feels good. Tim McGraw, the celebrity, is lost inside his role as a supportive husband and a young Jae Head threatens a precocious overload alert.

As sports movies go, The Blind Side is predictable; but that doesn’t keep the movie from being productive. I don’t know the true story of Michael Oher, but I sincerely hope he did have a parade of college coaches visit; otherwise, this film jumps the shark at its climax. The film was more about Leigh Ann (and Sandra's exaggerated performance of her).  I wanted more about Michael.

For all my nitpicking, The Blind Side is wholesome entertainment. It is often trite, stereotypical and a little to neat, but that’s the cynic in talking. For what it is—inspirational family fare—The Blind Side is a success.

Kenny (2006)

“I don't know what all the fuss is about, it's 80% water and we've got chemicals to take care of the remaining 20” and with that Aussie Kenny Smyth (Shane Jacobson) begins a look into his world. Kenny—imagine an obese John Travolta with a lisp—takes care of business, the port-a-john kind, with an uncommon blend of heart and humor. No matter the size of the event, Kenny has the right facilities for you.

Kenny is a hilarious mockumentary that with surprising heart and a very likable star. Filled with underplayed toilet humor and filmed on location at actual events, i.e. the International Cleaners and Pumpers Convention in Nashville, Tennessee gives the film an uncanny realism. Actor Shane Jacobson owns his role with amazing authenticity and everyday humbleness.

When Kenny isn’t dealing with a ring lost down the crapper or his co-workers, he’s suffering with an ex-wife that despises him, a young son, his father who can’t cope that his son Kenny ‘delivers toilets’ and his high-class brother. Kenny soldiers on with dignity and grace; he’s a likable fellow and his life is an admirable one. He just happens to clean toilets.

As I see it, Kenny is a smart character dramedy that isn’t about crap so much as the man who must deal with it.

Special (2006)

Les Franken (Michael Rapaport) is a local meter maid who is approved to take part in clinical trials of a new antidepressant. Adverse side effects leave Les convinced that he is developing super powers. Despite his doctor’s behest that Les quit taking the medicine, Les dons superhero threads to fight the evil that maligns the world with very mixed results.

Special is an original idea lacking focus; at only 80 minutes the film is over before you really mind. Part black comedy, part social satire and kind of enjoyable Special is held together by Rapaport’s admirable performance. His portrayal of a mediocre man draws respectable sympathy from the viewer. But his drop off the deep end is befuddling. The oddball-supporting cast offers a few laughs, but in this sad tale everything seems out of place including them.

As I see it, Special isn’t worth your time unless you’re a fan of Rapaport. It’s a solidly mediocre film.

24: Series Finale (2010)

Tonight the clock stopped ticking for fans of the long lived FOX drama series 24.  While many others were distraught about a particular island, my heart was breaking as it has belonged to Jack Bauer (Keifer Sutherland) since 2001.

Chloe's (Mary Lynn Raskub) command Arlo to 'shut it down' was a fitting ending and Jack's heartfelt goodbye pierced the soul of every die-hard fan, I think.  Despite some too conveniently wrapped sub-plots, the series finale ended well.

Amid all the conspiracies, political manuvering, back-stabbing best friends, nuclear attacks, biological threats, cyber-crimes, personal losses, and a heroin addiction, Jack proved to be a man of his word.  Jack taught us all how to be better people and go without bathroom breaks.  Among the things we've learned over the past eight seasons...

1. Always bring a change of clothes and an extra gun.
2. Make friends with the nerd. They will never let you down.
3. “Damnit!” is an appropriate response in all situations.
4. No matter how long something takes, it will always be completed right after you need it.
5. Brown leather is always in season.
6. We all know a terrorist.
7. If you have to know, try torture.
8. America is more important that you or your problems.
9. To get what you want, you should do what you shouldn't.
10. A lot happens in a day.
11. Food, water, sleep, and bathroom breaks are for the weak.
12. Anger makes you lonely.
13. Suspect everyone.
14. Love is deadly.
15. Man purses are hot.
16. The Russians did it.
17. Neglecting your child is acceptable unless they are in danger.
18. Waffling = weakness.
19. Trust no one.
20. Two words: Full Immunity
21. You'll go far being sullen and sarcastic.
22. Shooting anyone in the kneecap is a reseasonable action.
23. Terrorists drive American.
24. Everyone is expendable.

The end of an era leaves me with but one question: Is Sprint really your cellphone provider?!

Chapter 27 (2007)

Even the most ardent of Lennon devotees shouldn’t bother with Chapter 27 starring an overweight Jared Leto as schizophrenic Mark David Chapman. The film focuses on the days leading up to the murder of Lennon and Chapman’s journey from weirdo to channeling Holden Caulfield. Heavy on voiceover—representative of spiraling insanity —and Catcher in the Rye references, the most fascinating bit of the film is the guy who plays Lennon. Onscreen for merely a few seconds, Mark Lindsay Chapman {yep} looks legit as the Beatle.

As I see it, Chapter 27 is a lonely drag that rewards the long-suffering viewer with pain and sadness. You know how the story ends. Avoid this bore.