The Blind Side

Released November 2009

Directed by John Lee Hancock

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates

First Viewing January 24^th 2010

Roger – 4/5 stars

There are many movies out there that are simple, heartfelt stories, well acted and well done. The plots differ in details, really, but there is always a common denominator in these films, and that is the triumph of the human spirit. Whether it be adversity in sports, academics, politics, disaster or loss, these stories move us. They are not flashy, and they don’t have over-the-top emotional scenes, but they reach the audience. The message is conveyed. The Blind Side is such a movie.

I didn’t want to see this movie for a long time. I avoid sports movies, for me, they rank alongside romantic comedies in the 100% predictable category. However, when Sandra Bullock began to receive Oscar buzz for her role, and won the Golden Globe for best actress, it was time to give this movie a shot. Also, and this is important, this is no typical sports movie.

This movie is about a young man named Michael Oher, who is taken in by a kind, smart, fireball of a woman, Leigh Anne Tuohy. This woman, along with her husband and children, give Michael a home, but more importantly, a support system. With love and perseverance, Michael begins to do well in school, and then football, and the rest is history. Literally. This is a true story, and Michael Oher is an actual NFL player, with the Tuohys being his actual adoptive family.

This movie was good. It’s nice to see that kindness and hard work still has an impact in today’s cynical and lazy world. Michael Oher’s story is inspiring. Sandra Bullock is the real star, here, and she deserves the praise she has been getting. Her character is not a drug addict or a hard-luck woman, nor is she mentally unhinged or a legendary figure. The usual Oscar ingredients are lacking. And yet, she totally and completely becomes this person. We love every element of Leigh Anne Tuohy, and more importantly, we believe in her, and what she does for Michael. We are inspired and humbled, and that is Oscar-worthy too.

If you’re tired of slick entertainment and overrated melodrama, then go see The Blind Side. It’s a nice, honest story about love, understanding, and how far one can go with the right opportunities and people behind you. And that is never a bad thing.