"The Blind Side"

I watched this movie for the first time just a few months ago, and promptly got the idea to get it for Bethany for Christmas.  I am not necessarily a big fan of "sports movies" but The Blind Side falls into different category along with movies like "Remember the Titans," and "The Natural."  Truly moving sports films that have much more to do than just the love of the game.

"The Blind Side" in itself uses the football metaphor and takes it new directions.  Allowing a boy from the projects to develop into something powerful, protective, and gentle (all qualities that are ironically a result of his hard life as a child.)  Watching Michael develop his skills as a football player offer an insight into his character as a gentle giant, but also as someone who will protect those that he loves.

This is an amazing film and well worthy of the Oscar nominations, and best actress win achieved by Sandra Bullock.  In all, it is a story about football, family, understanding what it means to be hospitable, and how to find the courage to trust those whom you look up to.

-David

On the DVD cover of The Blind Side it says, "Based on the extraordinary true story." Extraordinary. I couldn't have said it better. This is a movie you can feel good about showing your family. It's a movie about perseverance, hope, and love. We see a young man who has been neglected, abandoned, and is homeless, sleeping on people's couches some nights, the school gym on others. Michael Oher is portrayed as a very gentle spirit, who doesn't expect anything from anyone. He accepts kindness from others, but doesn't go looking for it.

Sandra Bullock does a brilliant job of playing Leigh Anne Tuohy, the woman who saw a young man in need and instead of looking the other way, she invited him into her home. She is an incredible example of the type of person I think we all wish we could be. She and her family show someone who has been neglected most of his life, if not all, what it is like to be a part of a family that cares and loves and takes care of each other.

Everyone in this movie does a great job, from the spunky kid who plays SJ (I told David I want to have a kid like him someday), the daughter, Tim McGraw, and the actress who plays Michael's tutor. I just love the scene when she discloses to Leigh Anne that she is a democrat. And later the comment is made by either Leigh Anne or her husband, "who'd thought we'd have a black son before we met a democrat?"

Anyway, this is a wonderful movie, and I would very highly recommend it. It's really nice to see Hollywood make a movie so positive and uplifting that is also based on a true story. Nicely done.

-Bethany