Blindsided by THE BLIND SIDE

The trailers for THE BLIND SIDE made it seem a little sappy. And by "a little," I mean "Hallmark Channel Christmas movie." But the girlfriend wanted to see it, and after some kicking and screaming on my part, I went.

I shouldn't have been so reluctant. Written and directed by John Lee Hancock -- a hell of a writer and a solid director -- TBS adapts Michael Lewis' book about the evolution of football in the wake of Lawrence Taylor, focusing wisely on the unlikely story of a rich white Texas couple adopting a poor black kid who grows up to become a pro left tackle.

I had absolutely no problems with the script or the film. All the moments that could be sappy weren't. The film takes its time getting to know the characters, so you feel the emotions they're feeling. This nicely sets up all the fear and uncertainty Big Mike has, and you root for the kid, enjoying the simple moments of fun with his new family and tearing up when he says things like he's never had his own bed before.

Hancock succeeds in making a film for the whole family, one that tells a nice, uplifting story.

And most surprising of all was Tim McGraw, playing Sean Tuohy. McGraw was so good, I didn't even realize it was him until I saw the end credits.