The Blind Side
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates, Quinton Aaron
Director: John Lee Hancock
Rating: 4/5
Everyone has been ranting and raving about Sandra Bullock's central performance in The Blind Side, the dramatic role that has seen her get her hands on a Best Actress Oscars. And finally we get to take a look at what all the fuss has been about.
The movie follows the remarkable true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfil his potential.
At the same time, Oher's presence in the Touhys' lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome.
As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, becomes an All-American offensive left tackle.
Believe me it was well worth the wait and all the awards and adulation that have gone Bullock's way are totally justified as she turns in the performance of her career.
We all think of Bullock as the funny woman of Hollywood... well not anymore and we are left with the question why has she not done more dramatic roles?
The movie is told in a polished and packaged way, very Hollywood, but this doesn't detract from the emotional impact that the movie has.
Hancock is at his storytelling best, you have to remember that this is a true story, and it's a compelling tale about how the Touhy's impact on Michael's life but how Michael has just as much impact on them and theirs.
And while everyone is talking about Sandra Bullock it's also a great performance from Quinton Aaron who is plucked from struggle to privilege.
Aaron's character Oher has to learn to trust his new family, that they will not leave him as so many others have, embrace his new education as well as decide the path his life is going to take.
And while it is a movie that evokes plenty of emotion it would have been nice to see more of Michael's reaction to his new life the film does prefer to focus on how the social status of the Touhy's is effected by his inclusion.
But the movie does avoid cliche and is a very uplifting and optimistic movie, with a healthy injection of humour throughout.
Never once do you question the intention of Leigh Anne Touhy and her family what should have been one night on the sofa for Michael turned into a genuine love story as Leigh Anne's maternal instincts kick in.
It's not about the well to do white family saving a down on his luck black teenager it's a movie about holding out a helping hand to someone and helping them reach their potential, something every child deserves.
The Blind Side is a movie of hope and love and it's worth watching for the central performances from Bullock and Aaron.
The Blind Side is out now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw