The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock (Speed, Miss Congeniality), is an uplifting true story about the life of pro football player Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). Once living as a poor, homeless teen Michael is taken in by Leigh Anne Touhy (Bullock). The Touhys are an upper class family from the “right” side of town who help Michael realize his true potential as a student and football player. Michael goes on to play college football and was the number one First Round NFL draft pick in 2009. Michael’s transformation and success are not met with open arms from all onlookers. Both Michael and the Touhys are forced to overcome opposition and scrutiny from friends and officials because of their unusual situation.
Now, all that being said, this movie is way better than it sounds. Sports movies, especially football movies based on a true story, typically stink. Both Radio or Remember the Titans were less than memorable, but The Blind Side has something other football movies do not have; Sandra Bullock.
The movie runs a full 2 hours and moves surprisingly quickly for a biographical plot. The cast is great, Bullock and Aaron create a memorable and believable mother son relationship and Leigh Anne’s husband and children complete the package. For the most part Sandra Bullock creates great performances, but after seeing The Blind Side it is difficult to imagine anyone else carrying the lead role like she did. The attitude brought to her character gives the story a tremendous amount of depth.
This is just a classic, inspiring film. It doesn’t pull out any tricks because it doesn’t need to. There is a great balance of sorrow, humor, and conflict to keep your attention. A movie based on a true story is best when it makes you feel like you are actually getting the real deal. The Blind Sideis just that, the real deal. Pictures of the real life characters mirror the cast beautifully and the lack of over the top conflict make you feel like you are actually watching the Michael Oher story.
If you’re looking for a great film to go see, The Blind Side delivers something for the whole family and doesn't disappoint/ul/movies/blind-side.
