"Blind Side" Tackles "New Moon" in Box Office Ratings

Alcon Entertainment's family-friendly football flick "The Blind Side," based on the inspiring true story of young Michael Oher, broke box office records this past weekend by toppling The Twilight Saga's "New Moon," reaching No. 1 in ticket sales and raking in over $20.4 million. "Twilight's" weekend income rang in at just under $16 million. This brings "Blind Side's" nationwide intake to over $131 million according to Box Office Mojo.

Under the directorship of John Lee Hancock ("The Rookie"-2002), the flick recounts the story of "Big Mike," a homeless African American teen taken in by the wealthy, white Tuohy family of Memphis, including mother Leigh Ann Tuohy played by longtime actress Sandra Bullock and her husband Sean Tuohy (country music superstar Tim McGraw). But what started as a one-night act of kindness transforms into a deeper relationship as the Tuohys become affectionately attached to Michael.

After legally adopting Oher, Leigh Ann hires a tutor to aid in furthering Michael's education and supports him in his decision to play college football. Oher will eventually go on to make the first-round draft pick in the NFL. Today, Michael Oher plays professional football with the Baltimore Ravens.

Countless Christian magazines, newspapers, web sites and even pastors have been promoting the film for its accurate and inspiring presentation of the Christian faith as seen through the life and deeds of the Tuohy family.

"Blind Side" has shown promise for Christian moviegoers as a flick with a positive and even Biblical message. By taking in young, homeless Michael Oher, the Tuohy family has lived out the command of James 1:27: "to care for widows and orphans in their distress."

Pro-family movie review web site MovieGuide.com wrote of the film, "Blind Side has a very strong message of Christian faith. It's very clear that Leigh Ann helps Michael because she is a Christian and thinks it's the right thing to do. They pray around the table and speak freely about their Christian faith. The biblical admonition to care for orphans is lived out by this family."

In her review of the movie, Crosswalk.com contributing writer Christian Hamaker noted that "The film's treatment of religion, while not as explicit as some Christian viewers might hope, is marred only by a misquoted Bible verse on a school sign-a jarring error in this otherwise warmhearted, true-life crowd-pleaser."

"The Blind Side" debuted in theatres nationwide November 20, 2009 and is currently the number one grossing film in the country.

©2009 Joshua D. Givens & The Underground Christian E-Magazine

For more news, feature articles and commentary on pop culture from a Christian perspective, visit the Underground Christian E-Magazine at: www.theundergroundsite.com.

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