Endure Fort» Literature

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

It must be borne in mind

Chris Hoskins — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:20:51 +0000

Another piece of literature I’d like to share with you. This time a poem by Benjamin. E. Mays about dreams and ambition. it speaks to me because I’m a dreamer, a very sentimental person.

It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life

doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal.

The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.

It is not a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled.

But it is a calamity not to dream.

It is not a disaster to be unable to capture your ideal,

but it is a disaster to have no ideal to capture.

It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars.

But it is a disgrace not to have stars to reach for.

Not failure, but low aim, is the sin.

Bemjamin. E. Mays

He was there

Chris Hoskins — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:54:22 +0000

I cam across this piece when I was clearing out my office, not sure if its a prayer/poem or song, could be any of them. I can’t remember where I first heard/ read it, or why I was given a copy. All I know is that it is originally by a guy called Neil Hawkins from Liverpool. I’ll let it talk for itself now:

Jesus heard you when you prayed last night,
He talked with God about you;
Jesus was there when you fought that fight,
He is going to bring you through.

Jesus knew when you shed those tears,
But you did not weep alone,
For the burden you thought was too heavy to bear,
He made his very own.

Jesus himself was touched by that trial,
Which you could not understand;
Jesus stood by as you almost fell,
And lovingly grasped your hand.

Jesus cared when you bore that pain,
Indeed he bore it too;
He felt each pang, each ache in your heart,
Because of his love for you.

Jesus was grieved when you doubted his love,
But he gave you grace to go on,
Jesus rejoiced as you trusted in him,
The only trustworthy one.

His presence shall ever be with you,
No need to be anxious or fret,
Wonderful Lord! He was there all the time,
He has never forsaken you.

Neil Hawkins,
Liverpool