Alum’s latest film, ‘The Blind Side,’ hits theaters today

Hollywood director John Lee Hancock, BA ’79, JD ’82, first made a name for himself in the movie business in 1993 as the writer of the screenplay for A Perfect World, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Eastwood and Kevin Costner. He went on to produce the critically acclaimed My Dog Skip before finding widespread recognition as director of The Rookie, which won an ESPY in 2002 for “Best Sports Movie.”

Hancock has returned to sports for his latest film, The Blind Side, which opens today. The movie stars Sandra Bullock and is based on the true story of a homeless teenager who, after being taken in by a new family, fulfills his potential on the football field, earning a college scholarship and eventually making the NFL. (See the trailer here.) Variety and The Los Angeles Times each speak well of the film; closer to home, my wife has been excited to see this since she saw the first preview, even before we knew of the Baylor connection.

Sic ’em, John Lee Hancock!

[Dec. 3 update: Through its first two weeks, the movie has already grossed over $100 million. My wife and I saw it over Thanksgiving and loved it, and I have yet to talk to a friend who’s seen it who doesn’t highly recommend it.]