As a movie goer that just arrived home from the theatre and immediately googled for current info on Michael Oher, I think this article gives the reader a sense that this movie is not the outstanding movie that it really is. Maybe it doesn’t do the book justice, but as a movie it left me with the desire to immediately put down another $10.00 to see this movie again. That is my measure of a great movie! …and as it was such a funny and heartwarming story, I will be purchasing the book upon which this story was based to round out the story in the ways which we know no two hours of film can ever do. Whe was the last time you ever thought a movie was better than the book, if you had read the book first?

This weekend I saw this movie, well lucky to see it since it was sold out most of the weekend. There was many women who had brought their husband back to see it since they had originally seen the movie thinking it was a chick flick. This was anything but. It was an amazing movie with good acting. I disagree with the author of the review.

My wife and I just returned from seeing the movie. We thought it was one of the best we’ve seen in a long time. Not often do I come home and start searching for more info on the characters, but I now know a lot about Michael Oher. Often general public reviews can tell you more about a movies worth than a newspaper’s paid (or unpaid) reviewer. This one is a must-see.

I just saw the movie and thought it was outstanding. If the critic was complaining about the film because it didn’t go into all the details of the book, I didn’t realize there was even a book. Now I am curious about the book. As a standalone film, it was truly outstanding and I think the critic should just let it rest at that - an outstanding film.

The movie was great. It made us laugh, it made us cry. Amazing how the love and compassion of one family changed the whole world for a young man. Loved it!

I totally disagree with Stephen Dixon’s review of this movie. I, like one of the people who commented above have researched the people in the story to learn more about them and their incredible story.

This was the best movie I have seen in a long time and possibly the best ever. It was well done, poignant, heartbreaking and warming at the same time. My hat goes off to the Tuohy family for their generosity and compassion towards Michael in his time of need and to Michael himself for the incredible obstacles he overcame and his remarkable achievements when given a chance. The world needs more people like the Tuohys and Michael and less like Stephen Dixon who have the audacity to criticize the portrayal of such remarkable people.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and would highly recommend it as a must-see.

the movie was great but the peeps behind me said ahhh every 5 seconds

This was one of the best movies I have seen in quite a long time. I don’t usually go to the movies. I can always wait till the come out on DVD and save myself the money ($13.50 per ticket plus $30 for a sitter) But my husband wanted to go so we went. Well quess what I really want to see it in the movies again. It just goes to show you that critics don’t know everything.

My husband, teenage daughters, and I went to see this movie last night. It was a very inspiring movie and to critique it so badly as you did was horrible. This was a movie that pulled at my heart strings and as those above stated, I didn’t even know there was a book either and how many movies ever run concurrent with the book? None I am aware. I will be buying this movie on DVD to watch over and over. I think this critic needs to see what the rest of the population seen.

Gotta say an excellent movie. Took the whole family last night and we were all in awe. We can’t stop talking about it. A must see.

Like others here, I am here to learn more about this family and man, Michael.

I think, that people should acknowledge that a critic is an individual simply giving his or her opinion. I sincerely doubt that anyone walking into the theater was expecting to see an overwhelming Oscar worthy film but rather, a good movie, with a good, morally sound plot and good acting. That is exactly what we got and exactly what Mr. Dixon claimed we would get. And, quite frankly, to go after a writer and attack him personally is not only inappropriate but completely negates any actual dialogue that could be had about this movie.

My husband and our 17 year old son, my sister, her husband and their 17 year old son, and I went to see this movie last night. Oh my gosh! I agree with the other comments and COMPLETELY DISAGREE with Mr. Dixon!!! My brother-in-law had not gone to the movies in two years, and he talked about the movie all the way home! Our sons loved the movie, also. I was just happy they weren’t embarrassed to go to a movie with us. We thought it was a great family night and to all of you out there who want to take your families to an inspirational and up-lifting movie, YOU MUST SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

After having a painful athletic past with a bad and ruthless, heartless coach in Northwest Houston in the 70’s, I have lived with the scar, and pain, This movie profoundly touched my heart, and every Coach should watch this movie, especially you Wayne Grahman. Please take everyone you can to this movie, It can change Your Life!

Wow, a lot of hate comments after that one. Good article. This is just more evidence that people don’t really think about what they’re reading. It may be a good movie but that doesn’t mean that it portrays Oher’s life accurately. Mr. Dixon is not bad mouthing the movie as much as he is stating that it’s story is lacking validity in the actual success of Oher’s life and achievements, but it’s uplifting to see the general public looking past generic family sports films and actually questioning their its quality based on something other than cheesey re-occuring themes….oh wait…that hasn’t happened yet…

I loved it, I will be one of those wives that takes their husbands back to see it. I can’t wait to see how his career unfolds. We are huge football fans. I wish him well and hope he gets a lot of playing time

i have no idea what the criteria mr. dixon has for a “good movie” but what i do know is that i totally disagree with his review. the blind side was a very touching movie with a lot of substance… definitely more than the substance of his review. the last time i saw a movie like this was when pursuit of hapiness came out. this is indeed a must-see movie! 5 out of 5 stars!!!

Great Movie, just did what everyone else did. Went and saw the movie and googled it right after. This idiot who wrote the article is prob. some peice of crap Liberal who only wants to see bad things happen in the world. Maybe if there was more murders and drugs it would have got a 5 out of 5 to this idiot. By the way the theater was packed and everyone enjoyed it. Some writers just dont have a heart. Hope you burn up in a fire Steven Dixon

for all of you know it alls, the movie doesnt accurately portray the shadiness in the fact that sean tuohy was an all sec bball player at Ole Miss and agreed to take took Oher in with the intention of steering him to Ole Miss, much in the same way Memphis resident and Alabama booster Logan Young Jr paid Albert Means’ high school coach to convince Albert to go to Alabama

Great Movie, just did what everyone else did. Went and saw the movie and googled it right after. This idiot who wrote the article is prob. some peice of crap Liberal who only wants to see bad things happen in the world. Maybe if there was more murders and drugs it would have got a 5 out of 5 to this idiot. By the way the theater was packed and everyone enjoyed it. Some writers just dont have a heart. Steven Dixon, you really dont know what your talking about

Great Movie, just did what everyone else did. Went and saw the movie and googled it right after. This guy who wrote the article is prob. some Liberal who only wants to see bad things happen in the world. Maybe if there was more murders and drugs it would have got a 5 out of 5 to this idiot. By the way the theater was packed and everyone enjoyed it. Some writers just dont have a heart. Steven Dixon, you really dont know what your talking about

I think the main issue here is that the readers attacking Stephen’s article make the same mistake that the director of “The Blind Side” did - they focus on the easy to see, emotional aspects of the story/article, without delving into the details and specifics. The crux of the review was that while Sandra Bullock and co. do an above-average job of telling a story of an underprivileged youth finding success despite overwhelming odds, the film does not capture the spirit of the book. Had the movie not been named “The Blind Side,” and not associated itself with Lewis’ work, it would simply be another formulaic yet heartwarming inspirational sports movie, which I, nor Stephen I am sure, would have a problem with. Remember the Titans, Miracle, Rocky 1-4 (5 never happened), Invincible etc. all with varying degrees of success accomplished exactly that, yet none were based on an intellectually stimulating book that wove analysis in with a fantastic story like “The Blind Side.” An apt comparison would be the film “Friday Night Lights,” based on Buzz Bissinger’s novel of the same title, which was also an inspirational football story set within the backdrop of a Texas town struggling with the post-oil boom economy and not-so-subtle leftover racism. “Friday Night Lights” the film captures many themes present in the book, addressing the human element, the economic element, as well as the Football story in a great film.

“The Blind Side,” however, only captured the Hollywood aspect of the book, thus preventing it from being a great movie, limiting it to average-good. It is important to note that that was Stephen’s main point. The director of the movie, John Lee Hancock, set himself up for this exact criticism by associating his film with Michael Lewis’ work, and when he did not deliver, he was justifiably called out by Stephen. To attack him personally, however, is in no way deserved, and I’m sure the Tuohys would agree.

well there you have it…..mr dixon…your opinion sucks!

michail Dixon. Your an a hole, why is so hard to give a thumbs up to a really uplifting movie. Thank god, there is more us than you.

Just got home from seeing The Blindside. What a great movie! Stephen Dixon should not be allowed to review movies for public display. He is so far off base about the heart warming story of Michael Oher, that it is unbelievable. Sandra Bullock should win an Oscar for the best work she has ever done in a film, by bringing this true story to life for all of us. We both agree this may be the best movie we have ever seen. We recommend taking the whole family as this movie has a life lesson for all ages.

I just saw this movie and must disagree with most of the personal attacks on Mr. Dixon. Too many people are missing the point of Mr. Dixon’s review that this remarkable story could have been a remarkably unique film, but instead fell into the cliches that many movies of this genre fall into. Mr. Dixon is not criticizing the actions of the actual people nor is he some heartless human being for daring to criticize a movie that you felt you got your moneys worth (what a concept!). The film does focus on the human side of the story as opposed to the professional side of Mr. Oher, largely to appeal to the countless older couples that seemingly saw this movie and then ran home to complain about people who dared to say it didn’t leave them as emotionally satisfied as themselves. Mr. Dixon merely argues that this story presented an opportunity to tell a remarkable story, and that it missed an essential element that made the original story remarkable. Shame on those who attack him personally and claim he has no heart. Please understand that simply because a movie makes you smile or because you think the actions of the characters are praise worthy doesn’t mean a film can be without criticism. But then again, most of the people who wrote such shining reviews and hurtful words towards Mr. Dixon probably derive similar feelings of joy from Hallmark Cards, overly forwarded emails and Seventh Heaven reruns. How can anyone criticize those overly cheesey odes to boredom and lack of creativity??? The only complaint I have about “The Blind Side” is that I wish there had been more rainbows! Oh well.

Personally, I am appalled at unnecessary personal attacks Stephen is now forced to endure because he chose to give a less than glowing review. Stephen merely paid to see a movie, and based on his knowledge of the subject, gave his opinion. No one is required to agree with his remarks, but there is an obvious lack of sophistication and class that comes with the personal attacks that have surfaced in response to this article. Luckily for those who feel that such comments are necessary, I believe that the quality of Stephen’s writing demonstrates that he will take these naive and misdirected comments with a grain of salt. Perhaps next time some courtesy and intelligence should be exercised before submitting to baseless attacks.

This man clearly is the anti-christ. Sin oozes from his every pore and and he is absolutely without a doubt the most heartless soul I have ever encountered. I completely agree that you should burn in a fire. The world does not need cynical pieces of shit like you to bring us down.

I just saw the movie tonight and thought it was great. I wasn’t aware a book existed. The movie obviously created much interest in the real characters as evidenced by the comments posted on this page. Therefore, the aspects of the book omitted by the movie can be learned by searching the web. As an avid reader, It is very difficult, in my opinion, to make a movie which is as good as the book on which it is based. All three showings of the movie were sold out at my local theater, so this is a huge hit. Some have said that the Touhy’s only helped Michael because they knew he had the potential to play college ball at Ole Miss!! Even if that were true, which I don’t believe, Lucky Michael Oher! Can’t you imagine that any boy, black or white, would like to be manipulated or “used” like that? The way I see it, they all were greatly blessed and fortunate to have found each other.

I heard that Stephen Dixon’s hugs have the ability to cure cancer.

“Anonymous says” By: Anonymous

Oh the sense of power one derives, The glow of a monitor, a click of a mouse, No obligation to show one’s eyes.

It’s the state of the world, they say, Millions of voices clamoring to give Opinions for which they need not pay.

Poor Mr. Dixen, a movie he was assigned, Only sought to publish his own view, In an editorial medium specifically defined.

Go forth young journalist, and write a story! Find an angle, a spin, a way To make sure this piece don’t bore me!

Eager to please, young Dixon set off to the show, “What a job,” he thought, “to get to cover the movies In a section of the paper that doesn’t blow.”

The popcorn gone, the credits going, Dixon sat at his seat eager to start writing And get the words flowing

Sure it was heartwarming, what Sandra film is not? The chick turned a movie about two weeks notice Into a romantic comedy (not soon to be forgot)!

The twenty year old leaned back and thought, “What’s the one thing, the piece of the puzzle That this director forgot?”

“Ah ha!” He said, leaning forward with a grin. “This tear jerker is about football player, Who, like ESPN’s own Jaws says, ‘Hits you in the chin!’”

It would have been nice to see some more ball played, After all, we go to Wisconsin, where countless farm boys Are found wrestling hogs, and into O-linemen, they are made!

Of course the whole book cannot be put to screen, Just look at those dumb Harry Potter movies, That make their real fans want to scream! “Oh well,” Dixon decided, “this movie had its flaws.” “But rather than ignore them for five stars, I’ll give the thing two based on what I felt I saw.”

Sent to the editor, published that hour, Young Dixon felt relieved to be done, And probably (the clean kid he is) took a nice long shower

But little did he know, ticking like a bomb, Was a hoard of anonymous movie critics, Getting ready, angry that they still live with their mom

We attack! They all cheered through retainers, After all, we will write our hateful comments, Regardless of the Herald’s disclaimers!

Alas! What evil has been strewn! A critic with a dissenting opinion, Must been torn apart and ruined!

The gauntlet dropped: “I hope you burn in a fire!” David Byroade typed feverishly as he waited for Mother’s dinner (which was taking quite a while!)

Forget Rolling Stone! Forget Variety! God knows no one has the right To their own voice in Nazi Germany!

Surely the world would be a better place Without the freedom of speech we’ve grown So used to as a human race.

We could all believe the same things, Get numbers instead of names, Forget imagination and the beauty it springs?

Hopefully this poem serves as a nice precautionary tale To those among you so set on hating Steven Dixon, That you would love to see him fail.

So next time you have something negative to say, Try cleaning out your retainer - maybe A stray piece of food is what’s souring your day!

Don’t pick on poor Dixon, whose life is hardly heaven. After all, my favorite baseball team has three rings, And his goddamn one has twenty seven!

I love you man, and I think you will learn, That the anonymous criticism these days Is the kind most easily spurned.

So go forth and write freely! The world is your dish! Forget these clowns and speak your mind, The “Blind Side” was…ok…

You have the right to bitch!

i saw the movie tonight and i thought it was great. as i got home i looked up some info on michael oher and had seen a behind the scenes look that included leigh anne and sean tuohy, the movie was very accurate and very very enjoyable to watch. i dont know what this guy is complaining about in this article! go see the movie if you want to enjoy a great feature film!

Jesus, how many of these assholes go to college here? The Badger Herald is a STUDENT newspaper. Read something else old people!

The only thing I have to say is: THE REVIEW ON THIS MOVIE IS ABSOLUTELY NOT CORRECT. The movie was AWESOME. I agree with one of the statements above…if you want all of the background, buy the book. However, the movie gave enough insight into his background that you would have to be a total idiot not to understand the total backgound of his life.

If this were a book-to-movie review, then yeah, maybe two out of five stars would have been a decent rating. But the fact remains that this is a MOVIE review. The only thing you are supposed to be evaluating here is the content that you see on screen and not what was left off of it. I saw the movie over the weekend and it was fantastic. I would recommend it to anyone.

I think that most of the people that have written on this wall have far too much time on their hands. If you get your diddles by writing nasty things about a nice guy just writing his opinion of a movie then I advise you invest some quality time in a hobby, like bike riding or scrabble.

Keep up the good work, Dixon. I didn’t see the movie and based on the atrocity of the trailer, I probably never will. Looks like contrived and exploitative feel-goodery. Foolish people just can’t grasp the idea and purpose of criticism— I think these kind of lunatic ravings are the best comments!

I agree with the review, I saw this movie this weekend and it was not at all what I expected. I felt like it jumped around a lot and didn’t elaborate on many of the main aspects that make this story so great. I find the Touhy family to be a great inspiration, but I don’t think the movie did them or Michael Oher justice.

did any of you read the article? It is simply displaying the facts,and telling prospect viewers not to go if they’re expecting a football cult classic. I am avoiding this film at all costs because I an only imagine the grotesque scenes of the gospel singers or sandra trying to pull her family closer to God. I appreciate the merit the true story, but in my eyes I think some parts of America should remain less glorified than others.