While not the award-worthy film some critics claim it to be, "The Blind Side" is still a refreshing piece of cinema that will warm your heart. The fact that the movie is based on true events makes it even more enjoyable.
Sandra Bullock stars as Leigh Ann Touhy, a southern woman with a ferocious mama-bear streak when it comes to her family. When her son, S.J., forms a friendship with "Big Mike," a disadvantaged African-American teenager, Touhy takes it upon herself to take Michael in. With enough love and care, a new version of the Touhy family forms.
For those unfamiliar with the the story, young Michael Oher goes on to become a star football player, and is now in the midst of his rookie season as a tackle for the Baltimore Ravens.
Thankfully, the filmmakers decided to not focus most of the film's running time on Oher's skill level as a football player. I think we can all agree that we've seen enough rags-to-riches, sports-centered stories. Not that those films can't be great, but we've certainly seen it all before.
The film falters when it deals with the NCAA investigation into how Michael was recruited. Since we know what the outcome is going to be, these scenes are fairly dull and detract from the narrative focus on the family bond that forms.
All the acting is spot on, with the focus on Bullock. She does turn in a decent performance, but it's not nearly as good as Quinton Aaron's portrayal of Michael Oher. There's just something in his eyes and movements which make the viewer really connect with the pain he's feeling.
Oher is fascinating story; so much so that I almost would have preferred that the movie focus on his entire upbringing rather than just a snippet that focuses on Leigh Ann Touhy. She's not nearly as interesting as Oher.
The movie is a compilation of good performances in a so-so adaptation of an amazing story.
3 buckets.
