Best Actress winner Sandra Bullock redefines Christianity and motherhood in The Blind Side, a heart-tugging drama based on a true story. Michael Oher offers a touching portrayal of Quinton Aaron (think Brother from Another Planet – here a shy foster kid destined to become an NFL offensive lineman).
Bullock plays Leigh Ann Tuohy, wife of a Taco Bell magnate who spots Michael wandering the street one evening. Michael is enrolled in the Christian school attended by her children. He’s fallen through the cracks, effectively orphaned by his crack-addicted mom. Leigh Ann invites him to spend the night, and the family soon opens its home to the well-mannered giant who's struggling academically.
Seeing Michael's talent, Sean Tuohy (Tim McGraw) introduces him to football. McGraw plays a successful yet down-to-earth dad who respects Leigh Ann’s passions, intuitions and leadership in their family. Intently interested in and involved with her kids, Leigh Ann turns out to be a pistol-packing NRA mom "in a prayer group with the DA." But Bullock transcends any stereotype here.
Adding realism to the film, current and former NCAA coaches recruit Oher. The Blind Side contains football scenes, but is more human than sports movie with superb character development. Kathy Bates is compelling as Miss Sue, the tutor nurturing Michael's hidden intelligence. Watch for more from kid star Jae Head, seen here as feisty, funny S.J. Tuohy.
This is a groundbreaking film in many ways as it examines Christianity in action, race, many kinds of intelligence, and the power of sports. As an athlete, Michael is able to succeed and inspire others around him. Altogether, director John Lee Hancock has concocted a magical Hollywood moment.
The Blind Side 2009 / PG-13 / 2 hrs, 8 min
Cast Overview: Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kim Dickens, Adriane Lenox, Kathy Bates, Catherine Dyer
Director: John Lee Hancock
Genres: Drama, Sports Drama, Drama Based on the Book, Drama Based on Real Life
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