The Blind Side

The all American family.

John Lee Hancock’s 2009 film The Blind Side would not normally be the type of movie I would watch, then why was I tempted to give it a try? My daughter recommended it, and that’s something she would not normally do, as we tend to have differing tastes. The second reason is that the star of this movie, Sandra Bullock, is the only performer ever to have been named both ‘Best’ and ‘Worst’ actress in the same year. She received a Razzie for her performance in All About Steve, which to her credit she personally accepted, and then received an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role of Leigh Anne Tuohy in The Blind Side I was intrigued!

Hancock, who I know from his 2004 remake of the Alamo, wrote the screenplay based on a section of Michael Lewis’s book The Blind Side. Evolution of a Game. It spins an almost unbelievable yarn, which I did not realise was a true story until the credits were run at the end of the film. The film depicts the adolescence of one Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron in his first lead role) Impoverished and neglected the 17 year old is accepted into the private Christian Wingate School in Memphis because of his potential as an athlete, despite his poor academic record. When its revealed that he is homeless Leigh Anne Tuohy and her family invite him to live with them in their home. The film goes on to demonstrate the trials and tribulations of Michaels rise to prominence as an American football player.



A few final words from the coach!



To be fair it’s not a bad film but can be a little syrupy at times, almost a modern fairy tale. Sandra Bullock as the Sarah Palin type ‘all American mom’ is excellent as are her supporting cast. The test  to sit through the film without a silly grin on your face!