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The Blind Side: An Unexpected Delight

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:30:42 -0800

It's not that the trailer for The Blind Side isn't compelling; the problem is that it combines Sandra Bullock's twangiest, most-over-the top lines with a heartrending song, which makes it seem schlocky. That's exactly what I expected from the movie, but I have to admit that I was wrong - to my surprise, I found it to be a sentimental gem that's actually quite restrained.

The Blind Side is the true story (based on Michael Lewis's book) of NFL player Michael Oher, who grew up in Memphis's projects with his drug-addicted mother and landed in and out of foster homes. He ended up in a fancy private school and in the home of a wealthy family, the Touhys, led by tough-talking Leigh Anne (Bullock). The weaving of Michael's newfound life in the movie is effective, with sweet bits of humor and just enough emotion.

To see what I liked about the film, just read more.

The movie is full of many surprises: first, it looks like it's going to be mainly about football, but it's not all sports. There is proper attention given to Michael's life before he's taken in and the development of the relationships between the Touhy family members and Michael.

Another nice thing is how smoothly Bullock slides into her role. It's not just her wardrobe and hair that transforms her into the high-maintenance Southern matriarch; her manner as the tough mom who's not completely comfortable showing emotion is very natural - not what I'd expect from the laid-back actress.

Quinton Aaron is also impressive as a sad-eyed orphan turned well-adjusted student and son over the course of the movie. It's not an incredibly complex performance, but his teddy bear presence is irresistible. The supporting players are equally as enjoyable: Tim McGraw, whom I didn't expect much from, is charming, while the Touhy children win you over with their affection for their new brother. The late addition of Kathy Bates (whose role is basically an extended cameo) is hardly needed to bolster the movie, but she adds a nice touch as well.

At two hours and six minutes, the movie is a little too long; director John Lee Hancock seemed intent on fitting in nearly every detail of Michael's journey. Then again, at the end you're rewarded with the payoff: footage and photos of the real-life Touhys and Michael. It's an emotionally satisfying ending to a movie that makes no apologies for being so uplifting.

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.

Our Top 10 New Moon Carpet and Junket Moments!

Molly — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:30:00 -0800

The countdown to New Moon is almost over, and we're here with our final special before our official review! To wrap up all the Twilight saga madness, take a look at our top 10 moments from the junket and big red-carpet premiere. From the Volturi's sense of humor to the Cullen's family ties, check out new footage from all our interviews! Plus, watch Robert Pattinson's face light up when he hears Kristen's arrival announced at the LA red carpet and listen to what she has to say about her fashion. Watch our PopSugar Rush New Moon Special!

Coleen Leads the WAGs to Watch Crowd Surfing Beyonce

PopSugarUK — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:52:47 -0800

New mum Coleen Rooney left baby Kai at home for a night out with Wayne at Beyonce's concert in Manchester yesterday. Coleen only left hospital after giving birth two weeks ago, so it's great to see she's ready to enjoy the odd evening out. She was joined by fellow WAG Alex Curran at the concert, who wore a big furry jacket and was accompanied by hubby Steven Gerrard and their daughters. Beyonce has been enjoying her stay in the UK, partying with Rihanna and those JLS boys during her time in London earlier in the week. She got carried away by the crowd quite literally during her performance at the O2 in London on Monday, when she jumped of the stage and went crowd surfing: check out video footage of her daring feat after the jump! It certainly impressed sister Solange, who tweeted her appreciation.

To watch the video of Beyonce crowd surfing and see more pictures, read more.

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Robert Pattinson Visits Letterman and Says No to Naked Fans

PopSugarUK — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:30:00 -0800

New Moon finally opens tomorrow, and the hardworking cast must be looking forward to a break sometime soon! Robert Pattinson headed to The Late Show with David Letterman in New York City last night, and was greeted by a huge gathering of fans screaming his name. You can check out the crowds plus videos of the interview under the cut, and he revealed on Ellen that fans will literally do anything for him - he said:

"[A fan] said... 'What can I do to get your attention?' I was like um, just take your clothes off.... She stood there and frantically started taking her clothes off and got dragged out of the room by security. I never felt more terrible."

Oops, looks like that's one joke he won't make again!

To see more gorgeous photos of Rob and watch his interview with Letterman, as well as a glimpse into the madness he sees with some footage of him meeting fans, just read more.

Fans outside the Letterman show

Robert's interview with David Letterman Part 1

Robert's interview with David Letterman Part 2

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Top Chef Vegas: Episode 12

partysugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:12:49 -0800

It was down to five cheftestants on last night's episode of Top Chef. The final Las Vegas challenge - the next two shows take place in Napa, California - highlighted the Bocuse d'Or, the world's most prestigious classical cooking competition. A plethora of big name chefs including Thomas Keller and Daniel Boulud, guest judged. Ready to discuss? Keep reading.

How to Seduce Women Through Hypnosis

GiggleSugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:27:56 -0800

What is a loser man's last resort at gettin' the babes? High on that list, I imagine, is hypnosis. It's very hard to believe this isn't some kind of SNL parody, but people, it's real. Basically, some mustachioed middle-aged man narrates very slowly over a scene of a dude enticing a woman back to her place - so that he can hypnotize her and then make out with her while she's under his spell. This pathetic video played at the Found Footage Festival, along with heckling from the audience. This guy's moves are making the gettin' chicks with magic tricks video look like good advice.

Five Minutes of Just Robert Pattinson at the New Moon Premiere!

Molly — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:15:53 -0800

OK, well, it's 4:55, but who's counting? Here's our unadulterated Robert Pattinson footage from last night's New Moon premiere for your enjoyment! The rest of the fun is coming up soon, but we didn't want to wait to bring you these goodies! He is so cute talking about how excited he is to show off the movie and joking about how particular he is about everything. Plus, tons of him interacting with all the fans who came out for the premiere. Check it out now and stay tuned for lots more!

Our Top 10 New Moon Red Carpet Moments!

Molly — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:36:23 -0800

Last night the stars of New Moon hit the red carpet, and we were there to take in all the excitement! We've combed through hundreds of pictures from the premiere and afterparties, plus we're gearing up to show you tons of video footage of all your favorites like Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart, and more. We shared some of our red carpet highlights like Jennie Garth joking about shirtless Robert Pattinson, but here's our top 10!

View Slideshow ›

Watch Rihanna's Return to the Stage and B's New Video!

Molly — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:14:53 -0800

Rihanna returned to the stage last night with the support of her good friends Jay-Z and Beyonce. Jay joined Rih to perform for a bit, and the three partied the night away afterward. Plus, Beyonce's hotly anticipated new "Video Phone" music video featuring Lady Gaga is out now, and check out the first peek at our New Moon red carpet footage! Watch the PopSugar Rush Update now!

Video of Rihanna's London Show & Afterparty With Jay-Z & Beyonce!

PopSugarTV — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:08:11 -0800

Rihanna takes the stage in London to perform her new songs and then celebrates with Jay-Z and Beyonce! And later, New Moon Watch '09 continues with red carpet footage from the LA premiere!