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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.

Sandra Bullock Opens Her Eyes at The Blind Side Premiere

PopSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:00:52 -0800

Sandra Bullock gathered her on- and off-screen families together in NYC last night for a screening of The Blind Side. Her husband Jesse James was out showing his support for both Sandra's film and her return to dark hair. Tim McGraw plays Sandra's better half in the movie, and he posed for photos with his own wife Faith Hill. Many of you didn't seem too excited about seeing the screen adaptation of Michael Lewis's novel, but Buzz will be ready with tissues when it hits theaters on Friday.

Lots more from the premiere when you read more.

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Images include: Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Jae Head, Tim McGraw, Lily Collins, Anthony Mackie, Matthew Settle, Faith Hill, Jesse James, Phil Collins

Charlize, Sandra, Bradley Kick Off Award Season in Hollywood

Molly — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0700

The red carpet was brimming with beautiful stars in LA last night at the Hollywood Awards Gala, which is referred to as the first stop of award season. Charlize Theron was fresh off her trip to SF and looking hot, while Kate Beckinsale was also sexy in black. Diane Kruger held down the angelic side in white, and newlywed Zooey Deschanel stuck with her standard cute look. Hilary Swank posed after her Amelia had a disappointing opening weekend, though she took home the Best Hollywood Actress statue for her work in the film.

Inside the event, Sandra Bullock, Morgan Freeman and Zachary Quinto entertained the crowd from onstage. Julianne Moore had a big night, taking home Best Supporting Actress honors for her work in Tom Ford's directorial debut, A Single Man, and Bradley Cooper won the Hollywood Comedy Award. It was just three short years ago that Lindsay Lohan won the breakout actress award at the show, which finishes up the Hollywood Film Festival - pretty interesting. This year, though, the accolade went to Carey Mulligan for her work in An Education. With the announcement of Ricky Gervais as the host of the Golden Globes, award season is underway and we're starting to get a look at whose names will be gracing the nominees' lists.

LOTS more photos of the Hollywood Awards Gala so read more.

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Images include: Charlize Theron, Hilary Swank, Kate Beckinsale, Julianne Moore, Diane Kruger, Bradley Cooper, Zooey Deschanel, Zachary Quinto, AnnaLynne McCord, Shannon Doherty, Carey Mulligan, Len Wiseman, Sandra Bullock, Michelle Monaghan

Sandra Bullock and Jesse James Buy a Historic New Orleans Victorian

CasaSugar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:25 -0700

From Angelina and Brad Pitt to Nicolas Cage, New Orleans is becoming a popular place for celebs to settle, the latest transfers being Sandra Bullock and Jesse James. The pair quietly snatched up a historic Victorian home in New Orleans's Garden District for $2.25 million back in June. The 6,615-square-foot, five-bedroom, 4.5-bath home, known as the Koch-Mays house, was built sometime between 1860 and 1870. It retains many original Victorian design details, including ornately carved marble mantels, carved columns, large plaster medallions, shadow molding, and beautiful ornamental cast ironwork on its exterior. It's no surprise Bullock looked for historical details when doing her real estate shopping: the French Southern bistro she owns and designed in Austin, Bess Bistro, is in a historic building with tin ceilings and hand-painted floors. And although Austin won't be a far trip for the couple, they're guaranteed to find a good Creole shrimp meal in NOLA. See interior photos when you read more.

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Source: Flickr User alykat

Sandra Has Nothing But Love For All Her Leading Men

Molly — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:00:44 -0700

Sandra Bullock had her husband Jesse James and stepdaughter Sunny by her side at LAX yesterday. The trio was in California for Sandra's LA premiere of All About Steve, which hits theaters next weekend. At the screening she hammed it up with Bradley Cooper and had nothing but great things to say about her costar. The two filmed Steve before he even made The Hangover, but Sandra assures fans he's just as humble as ever. She said, "He's an actor's actor in a movie star's body, and I think he'll always remain firmly grounded and not get too full of himself. . . . He loves to work. . . . but he's just as humble now as he was back then." Sandra spends most of her time out of the spotlight with her family these days, and she still seems like a sweetheart when she has to step back into the spotlight.

To see more of Sandra, Jesse and his kids just read more.

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Love It or Hate It? Sandra Bullock's Tossed-Back Ponytail

BellaSugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:02:13 -0700

Ponytails and updos with tousled-in-the-front tendrils seem to be the look of the moment, particularly on the red carpet. Think Ashlee Simpson's laid-back asymmetrical hairstyle or Renée Zellweger's carefree and casual ponytail she wore as a guest on Letterman. Now, Sandra Bullock joined the growing group of disheveled hairstyle wearers, sporting this look at yesterday's All About Steve premiere in LA. How do you feel about Sandra's tossed-back pony? Do you think it's perfectly fun, or has it crossed into the perfectly messy territory?

Sandra and Bradley Are Together and All About Steve

Molly — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:00:51 -0700

Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper hit the red carpet together for their All About Steve premiere in LA last night. In the movie, Sandra's character is known for her bright red boots but last night it was all about the on trend booties to go with her colorful dress. Bradley Cooper's coming to the end of a whirlwind Summer of romance and hit movies, but he was still rolling solo despite his rumored relationship with Renee Zellweger. The two were spotted kissing in Barcelona, though most of you aren't that into hearing about any supposed love triangle with Jennifer Aniston even if he is the hottest thing at the moment.

To see more from the premiere including Thomas Haden Church just read more.

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Images include: Thomas Haden Church, Bradley Cooper, Sandra Bullock

Movie Preview: Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side

BuzzSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:30:30 -0700

I think it's possible to recognize that something (say, a trailer) has been created to manipulate your feelings and force you to cry, and to still cry anyway. This is what watching the trailer for The Blind Side was all about for me. The movie is based on a book by Michael Lewis which, as I recall from reading it a while ago, focuses a great deal on technical football analysis. Still, Lewis also weaves in the story of the remarkable left tackle Michael Oher, who was a homeless kid in Memphis until he was taken in by a wealthy white family. Soon after, his size and impressive abilities on the football field brought him attention - and recruitment battles - from college coaches. The movie centers on Oher's (played by Quinton Aaron) story, with Sandra Bullock in the role of the mother who takes him in.

I love watching Sandra Bullock and still, I was so engrossed in this trailer that I'd forgotten who she was by the end of it. It may turn out to be a predictable, sentimental film but I'm going to watch it nonetheless. What do you think?

The Blind Side opens Nov. 20. To check out the trailer, read more.

Celebrity Style: Everyone's Wearing J Brand Jeans

FabSugarUK — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 06:00:15 -0700

When celebrities are not on duty, they can be spotted looking stylish in a pair of jeans. Some celebrities, including Kristen Stewart, even wear jeans on the red carpet for a rock chick look. The secret to looking good in denim is choosing the right label and JBrand seems to be the most popular choice in recent months. Click through to see some of our favourite stars working different styles and cuts of jeans.

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Trend Alert: Blond-Streaked Bangs

BellaSugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:01 -0700

Remember that trend a few years ago where chunky blond stripes ruled hairstyles of women across the globe? Well, they're back, staying chunky but looking less skunk-y. During her recent promotional tour for The Proposal, Sandra Bullock has been wearing her long, dark locks with a contrasting honey-blond streak on her fringe. Keri Hilson opts for the hidden placement technique, while Christina Milian goes for the bold with heavily highlighted bangs. By strategically weaving platinum strands under the bangs, the result is a versatile 'do that can be left both textured and funky or sleek and sassy. That, and it makes regrowth all the more subtle. Hooray.