Wouldn't you know, the same day I posted the Rotten Tomatoes Show's funny spoof of sports movie cliches, Princess Di and I saw a movie about a football player that nimbly skips them all.

The Blind Side is based on the true and genuinely inspiring story of Michael Oher, a product of Memphis' inner city projects that often swalllows talent like his. Oher was taken off the streets by a wealthy couple, becoming part of their family. They helped raise his grades from almost passing to the 2.5 GPA required to accept an NCAA football scholarship, leading to his selection by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL draft. Now the offensive tackle is a leading candidate for rookie of the year.

Featuring Sandra Bullock's best performance in too long, The Blind Side is now a leading candidate for feel-good movie of the year.

I'll confess to a distantly personal connection to Oher's remarkable story. Two of our best friends, Wayne and Karla Whetzel, adopted five children -- including four African-American brothers from a background like Oher's -- and you'll seldom see a better family dynamic. The kids also improved their grades, social skills and behavior patterns, and they're promising athletes, too. (I kid Wayne that Kevontrae -- "Key" for short -- may turn out to be his 401Key.)

The same warmth I feel when visiting that family is evident in each frame of The Blind Side, none of it as bogus as filmmakers can be tempted to make it. Even before last night's screening, "Uncle" Steve and "Auntie" Dianne promised the Whetzel family that we'll take them on a group outing to see The Blind Side when it opens on Nov. 20. I can't wait. Meanwhile, enjoy the trailer, guys.