The Blind Side is a good movie. It is the true, inspiring story which many people need. It breaks the line of action blockbusters this year (2012, Transformers 2, Star Trek, X-Men Origins, Terminator Salvation, Taking of Pelham 123...) and shines through as a real-life drama.
The movie revolves around the character of Leigh Anne Touhy (Sandra Bullock) and her family. Leigh Anne is a giving, caring and positive figure in the film, her actions are the base of the story. A young man named Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) is put into a private school by is foster parents, and then once again is thrown out of his foster home. Now homeless and about to be thrown out of school before it really even began he encounters Leigh Anne.
The Touhy’s decide to take Michael in for the night. This night quickly evolves into a week, then forever. Eventually the Touhy’s coach Michael threw school and sports, getting him to go out for spring football training. They then legally adopt him and buy him a car. Michael learns that he is good at football if given the right motivation and he is eventually chosen to play for a college team. The film ends with videos of the real Michael Oher and the Touhys on the day Michael signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
This is a wonderful performance by Sandra Bullock, she has come a long way from the acting in Speed or Miss Congeniality. It is great to see her fit into the role of Mrs. Touhy, she embraces the lifestyle, the situation and the accent almost flawlessly. Her character’s will is strong and her moral compass points due north, Bullock is the best actor in this film.
Quinton Aaron also gives a strong performance as Michael Oher, but we have to remember that this is his first leading role in a film. At the beginning Michael is a silent character, and all that is needed out of Aaron is to walk through the rain in a t-shirt looking helpless and shrugging off help. However, Aaron does this well and manages to tug at the hearts of many viewers. By the end of the film Oher is talking actively and feeling much more confident, this creates a different atmosphere for the actor and Aaron struggles a little to fit in. I still believe that he was a good choice for Michael Oher.
I recommend going to see The Blind Side, it is a nice break from typical shoot-em-up Hollywood films and is a great way to spend an evening. The acting is good and the story is heartwarming. I rate this movie a 4 out of 5.