Endure Fort» Football

The Blind Side – Review

Chris — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 08:22:37 +0000

As I said in my previous post, Linda and I went to see ‘The Blind Side‘ last night at the cinema. It was a really good film, obviously they couldn’t fit all the detail the book contains into a 2 hour film, bu they managed to stay fairly faithful to the real events, and the spirit of the film was most definitely in keeping with the real life story.

My only complaints about the film would be that not enough was made of Oher’s background – use of more flashbacks could have been quite effective and would have made more of the turn-around in Oher’s life. In the film, Oher was made out to have no knowledge of Football and to be quite a passive player, in reality he already had experience of Football and knew what he was in for. Also, the opening section about LT would also have benefited from some expansion to set the scene for the importance of the left tackle (or right tackle if the QB is left handed) and why Oher’s protective instinct was an important attribute.

It’s definitely a moving story, whether you read the book or watch the film. And I would certainly recommend that you read the book, watch the film or both! Quinton Aaron is very good at playing Oher, Sandra Bullock is fantastic as Leanne Tuohy – it’s without doubt the best performance she’s ever given.

Being a Youthworker, I of course saw the potential benefits this movie could have for use with youth groups and classes to make them think about many issues that the film brings up – equality, class divide, inspiration, encouragment, determination etc etc

Go see it, enjoy, be moved, be encouraged and make sure you encourage others to see it!

Peace Out

The Blind Side

Chris — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:03:03 +0000

Tonight Linda and I are going to see a new movie thats just come out called ‘The Blind Side‘. I’m quite excited about it. I first read the bookof the same name about 18 months ago. The book is fantastic. It covers more than the film does. the film focuses only on Michael Oher whereas the book follows both Oher and the evolution of the Left Tackle over the last 3 decades.

The story of Michael Oher itself is an inspiring story, looking at how he came from practically nothing to being one of the starting linemen of the Baltimore Ravens.

I’ll say more about the film once I’ve actually seen it. I hope it stays true to the real story, there’s not really much that can be added to it in terms of drama and how people will treat each other. At just over 2 hours, it should be able to fit in a great deal of what the book covers. If you get the chance to read the book, take it, it’s definitely worth the read.

Peace Out

Chicago Bears sign Julius Peppers!!

Chris — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:23:45 +0000

I’ve just read some exciting news on the NFL website, the Chicago Bears have won the race to sign the much sought after Defensive End Julius Peppers. Given the disappointing season the Bears just had, Peppers is a welcome addition to the team – here’s hoping his influence can help the rest of the Defense get re-inspired, that, and the return to health of Pro-Bowler Brian Urlacher. Let’s wait and see what happens with the rest of the Free agency period and during the draft, I’m already hopeful for next season!

Peace Out

links to some of the stories about the signing:

Bears win Peppers Sweepstakes
Peppers/ Bears finalize deal
Shocker: Bears are the NFL’s big spenders

Superbowl Sunday!!!

Chris — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:27:10 +0000

Today is one of my favourite Sundays of the year – Superbowl Sunday!
Every year I stay up and watch the game – despite the kickoff being anywhere between 10pm and 2am (depending where the game is being played.) This year I’m hosting my first Superbowl party – should be a fantastic night!

I’m looking forward to the game this year, it should be an outstanding shootout between two dominant offenses. I’ve tried to settle on the side of one of the teams, but I just can’t pick one team in thie game. On the one hand, the New Orleans Saints have a very romantic, compelling reason why we should support them – it’s their first Superbowl and they’re playing for a city that is trying to rebuild itself on the back of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina a few years ago. On the other Hand, the Indianapolis Colts are looking for their second ring in 4 years, and they have one of my favourite NFL players at the helm – Peyton Manning.

There are countless articles on the internet worth reading about this game, and its not even happened yet! At the bottom of this post are a few that I think stand out and give a good insight/ overview of what to expect tonight. You can also follow thing on twitter by watching the tag #SB44

Will you be watching? Enjoy the game!

Peace Out

Good links:

NFL Superbowl website
Social Media and the Superbowl
Factors to watch out for in tonights game
Will the Colts Superbowl experience be an asset?
Video: 10 greatest players without a Superbowl ring

Cutler on the move!

Chris Hoskins — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:09:43 +0000

No, not Stewart Cutler, I’m talking about Jay Cutler!
Once seen as the future of football in Denver, many pinned hopes on him being the next John Elway, leading the Broncos to titles and glory. Let down by a leaky defence under Mike Shanahan, then being caught in the middle of a huge rift with new Broncos coach McDaniels he requested a trade. He got it. The Broncos knew they would be able to get a lot for a franchise QB, who would be willing to pay the price? The Titans? The Bears? The Vikings? The Lions? In the end, it took just 2 days for the Broncos to decide that the Bears were offering the best deal. And what a deal! Chicago get Jay Cutler, a 25 year old Pro Bowl QB, with a better arm than any Bears QB has had in years. We’re talking the best QB the Bears have had since McMahon led them to the Superbowl in ‘85 alongside one of the best squads ever (Singletary, Payton, Perry etc etc). What did Denver get? Two 1st round draft picks (2009/2010), a 3rd round draft pick for this years draft and Kyle Orton. Who got the best deal? hard to say, to be honest, I don’t really care what this deal means for the Broncos (unless we meet them in the postseason!). I do care about the Bears. We just got a great QB, add to the roster a couple more good receivers, get the offensive line shored up a wee bit and get the Defense to play at the same kind of form that took the Bears to the 2006 Superbowl and we’re flying!
As you might have guessed, I’m quite chuffed that the Bears made this move. I’m hoping, like many other Bears fans, for an exciting few years with Cutler leading the charge!

enjoy the show folks!

Peace Out

Chris

365 Project: 33/365

Chris Hoskins — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:57:20 +0000

Last night, I was watching the Superbowl, and loving it! And I decided to let that passion for the game translate into photography today:

Football Days

For the curious amongst you, the Jersey is a Georgia Bulldogs Vintage Jersey, number 34: Herschel Walker, a beast of a player!

To see some of his highlights, watch this: [youtube=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KyKLeXP2XOU]

Football -Superbowl Sunday!!!!!

Chris Hoskins — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 23:39:36 +0000

This is one of my favourite nights of the year!
It’s Superbowl Sunday!!!
Fair enough, my team, the Chicago Bears aren’t playing, but its still going to be awesome!
Many people, mostly from the UK don’t understand why I love this game so much….you can’t put it into words!
I love everything about it, maybe not how commercialised its become, but the raw passion, power, skill and intelligence needed to be a good football player.
One of the things i miss most in my life is playing football. For those of you who don’t know, I used to play QB (Quarterback), WR (Wide Receiver) and CB (Cornerback) for various teams in my teens. I miss the banter and the camaraderie. 30odd guys all banding together pushing for the same goal, all willing to do whatever it takes, to push their bodies through the limits for each other. Its just awesome……..
I could ramble on all day abut Football, about the finesse, the emotion, everything to do with it. But the Superbowls just kicked off, so I’ll stop here and enjoy the game…..

peace out

Chris