Nashville Goes Hollywood For McGraw Movie Premiere

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By Chris Cannon

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Dozens of country stars attended the premiere of Tim McGraw's latest movie Thursday night in Green Hills. McGraw plays opposite Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side.

A red carpet covered the sidewalk outside the Regal Green Hills. One half of the country duo Brooks and Dunn walked that red carpet to support his friend.

“I think he's really made us proud, so far. He's doing great,” said Kix Brooks.

New CMA Vocal Group, Lady Antebellum, also came out for the premiere. They will tour next year with Tim McGraw. Charles Kelley talked about McGraw's progression as an actor.

“It's awesome man. I tell you man, each movie he does you can tell he gets a little more comfortable and better each time, so I anxious to see this one,” said Kelley.

Along with McGraw and Bullock, Kathy Bates stars in The Blind Side.

The movie is based on the true story about Michael Oehr's life. He was a near homeless kid on the streets of Memphis eight years ago. The Tuohy family took him in and turned the teen's life around.

McGraw said this was a role he just could not pass up.

“How often do you read a story that's about real people that has that much heart and commitment? I just could not get it out of my mind,” said McGraw.

The film's director, John Lee Hancock, said the country superstar worked just as hard on the set as he does when he's on stage.

“He came in and said, ‘I'm here to work, I'm here to be good,’ you know, ‘direct me and I will stay all night if you want, until I get it right,’” said Hancock. “He's a really fine actor.”

The real-life Tuohy family made the trip from Memphis for the premiere. They are thrilled at how the movie tells Michael's story, a story they feel needed to be on the big screen.

“He was and is one the of the smartest kids we've ever met, but he would not have had the opportunity to show people,” said Sean Tuohy, one of the inspirations for the movie.

According to Tuohy's wife, Leigh Anne, Michael Oher really changed her family’s life for the positive.

“Oh absolutely, I mean Michael had a much greater impact on our family then we had on him,” said Leigh Anne.

Michael Oher not only turned his life around, he went on to be a football great at Ole Miss and was a first round 2009 draft pick for the NFL. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens.

The Blind Side opens in theaters on November 20.

email: ccannon@newschannel5.com