The Blind Side (Warner Brothers)
Sandra Bullocks Big Movie
Sandra Bullock has been making movies for some time now. Most of her films have showcased her personality and likeability. Few have tested her acting abilities. But now she is starring in the movie The Blind Side and this film showcases Bullocks charm and her talent. It is her breakthrough movie and should put to rest the idea she is a personality rather than an actress of great talent.
In the film Bullock plays Leigh Anne Touhy, a wealthy mother of two living in Memphis. Her husband Sean (Tim McGraw) is a successful businessman and the couple are devoted to each other and their children.
The Touhys children, SJ (Jae Head) and Collins (Lily Collins) attend a private school in Memphis. Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) is a scholarship student there. One night the Touhy family is driving home from the school and see Big Mike, as he is called, walking in the rain. It is a cold night and he is dressed in shorts and a tee shirt. Leigh Anne asks where he is headed and he tells her the gym.
Instead of taking him to the gym the Touhys take him to their home for the night. This begins a relationship between the young black man and this upper crust white family. They take him in, care for him and try to help him get his life on track for success.
The movie is based on a true story and were it not it would be hard to be believed. How the Touhys met Michael; how they took him into their home; and how they influenced his life is a wonderful story and the movie does it great justice. Director John Lee Hancock lets the story speak for itself. He scales back the maudlin aspects and lets the natural emotional elements speak for themselves.
Bullock is brave and brassy as Leigh Anne. She makes this woman feisty and daring while also being a believable advocate for her new son. There is nothing cutesy about this performance, and though she is charming she is also formidable.
Opposite her McGraw plays Sean Touhy as low key and supportive. He makes him a man who is aware of the specialness of his wife and is always there to listen and to give advice if needed. McGraw makes Sean so appealing you can see why the Touhys have the marriage they do.
Jae Head is a standout as the Touhys son SJ. He makes him energetic, boisterous, and wise beyond his years. His gregariousness is a complete contrast to his brother Michaels reticence.
The movie is rated PG-13 for mild profanity and violence.
The Blind Side is a feel good family movie that delivers a message of hope and love. It features a standout performance by Sandra Bullock and effective ones by a great cast of supporting actors. It has depth, heart, and strong entertainment value. It is a movie you do not want to miss.
I scored The Blind Side a visible 8 out of 10.
