The Blind Side (2009)

This is the movie that at this year's Oscars is the wild-card nomination for Best Picture. I initially agreed with the consensus of critics who chastised the Academy for including The Blind Side in the running. But post viewing the movie, and some logical contemplation, I can see why it was included in the running.
First off, my opinion of The Blind Side is, it's bland. Let's call it the Bland Side. The short truth about this film, is there's nothing too it. It's very straight forward. A rich white family from the right side of town, take in a black youth from the wrong side of the city. He becomes an outstanding student and athlete and the white family feel morally warm and fuzzy. No surprises here.
And for this, the reason the Academy picked this film can be extrapolated. This film is very accessible to the majority of Americans. Sandra Bullock's character is Sarah Palin, with a bit of a different accent. She's a strong-willing, hard-working family woman and a card-carrying Republican. Whereas, the Academy is known for their liberal, at-times pretentious, thought-provoking films.
I'm not defending The Blind Side, but it represents a huge portion of America, and I think it deserves to be considered. I kind of like the idea that a paint-by-numbers film can be included as a nomination. And I've always thought that in order to really enjoy the thought-provoking, at times pretentious art film, you need to soak in a couple mindless saps.
I recommend this film if you plan on ragging it, because trashing a film to high heavens is lame, if you haven't even taken the time to watch at least half of it. Stream it, yo.