REVIEW: THE BLIND SIDE

Let me start off by saying that I know nothing about football - English and American. When I heard that Sandra Bullock had a new football-themed film coming out, I was neither here nor there about seeing it. However, after the great reviews kept pouring in for screenwriter/director John Lee Hancock's The Blind Side, I could deny it no more.

This film is based on the true story of gargantuan Baltimore Ravens Offensive Left Tackle (whatever that means!) Michael Oher, who came from an impoverished upbringing in Memphis. He was given an opportunity to attend a private school based on his physical potential to be a football player. He is played by unknown actor Quinton Aaron with great sensibility. Watching him progress from a state of silent vulnerability to a young man who finds his own voice, is an unforgetable experience. Right away, I found myself rooting for this unlikely hero from start to finish.

Oher is taken-in by wealthy couple, Leigh Ann and Sean Tuohy, played by Bullock and country mega-star Tim McGraw, who are responsible for turning his life around. Although, McGraw is still earning his mark in Hollywood as a bona fide actor, I have always found Bullock a fine actress. It is her choice of roles which have both boosted her commercial popularity, yet hindered her critical success at the same time. Let's be real - films like Miss Congeniality and The Proposal just aren't going to get Oscars push. This film however, is Bullock's Erin Brokovitch and it would be a shame if her name was not at least thrown around come awards season because she is incredible as Tuohy. She commands each scene with a no-nonsense attitude and her unconditional love for her family, including Oher, leaves you walking away from the movie wanting to be a better person. In fact, I saw a kid who didn't have enough money to pay for his candy at Metro afterwards and I dug into my pocket and spotted him $3.00 for his Gummy Bears. Yes, Bullock is that deeply affecting here.


Young actor Jae Head who plays Oher's younger brother S.J. Tuohy, is absolutely endearing and full of charisma beyond his years. Essentially, he plays a younger male version of his take-charge mother, providing a humorous contrast to Oher's understated character. Overall, Hancock does a very credible job bringing out some really strong performances from the cast and The Blind Side is by far his best work to date as a director. His screenwriting is also commendable as each storyline was thoughtfully developed. We get a good glimpse of Oher's impoverished past, explaining why he is the way he is.

The film poses many interesting questions about life choices and whether we are living the lives that others create for us versus the lives we have chosen for ourselves. It also makes an argument that with the right surroundings, our lives can be controlled by nurture as opposed to nature. Regardless, you will find yourself tearing uncontrollably throughout the film, yet leaving with a big smile. The Blind Side is my favourite film of 2009 thus far. It's a feel-good alternative to the much heavier Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" By Sapphire. Grade: A+