Home » Archives » The Blind Side

The Blind Side

An inspiring film with an abundance of spirit to it. It’s better than what I thought it would be.

Movie Details

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 2 hr 6 min

Release Date: 11/20/2009

Genre: Drama

Writer: John Lee Hancock, Michael Lewis

Website: Visit Website

Director: John Lee Hancock

Watch the Trailer

Synopsis

The Blind Side is written and directed by John Lee Hancock, which is based on the 2006 book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis. This 2009 film tells the story of an  African-American teenager from a broken home named Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). He's taken in by the Tuohys, a well-to-do white family who help him reach his full potential in football. Michael also helps the Tuohys to learn a few things of their own. Living his new life, Michael works hard to overcome many challenges as a football player and student. With the help of his new family and coaches, he becomes an All-American offensive left tackle.

Review

Oh how heartfelt. I cried. I giggled. I felt sad, glad, mad, embarrassed and a myriad of other emotions.

I always liked true-life movies, but as I got wiser, I realized that a lot of the scenes are straight up embellished or never happened. So, while I was watching this film, which I did like, I kept saying, “I bet that didn’t happen. Oh, I know that didn’t happen.”

The Blind Side brings a wonderful story to light based on a book written by Michael Lewis called The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game. It revolves around Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) an African American offensive lineman who plays in the NFL. The film follows Michael from his homelessness during his teenage years and him finally being taken in by the Tuohys. You see, the Tuohys aren’t just any ole’ family. They are a WELL-TO-DO white family who help Michael to excel in school and on the football field. Of course there is so much more to it, but I don’t want to spoil all the good parts for you with my rambling and synopsis.

The Blind Side is a very entertaining film. Would some folks have some very strong negative feelings about the entire movie? Sure. This picture seemed more about Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock, The Proposal) then Michael Oher. You can say this was the Leigh Anne Tuohy story and not the Michael Oher story.

I tell you one thing to get Michael to talk was like pulling teeth from a chicken, but to get SJ Tuohy, the little son to shut the heck up was impossible. SJ was always running his mouth, but he made the movie fun. He made me smile. It’s very hard for me to believe that Michael didn’t know anything about football. They had him looking like a big doofus when it came to football. Anyhoo, Michael was very sweet and I cheered for him through the entire flick.
Regardless, it was a heart-warming story. The one thing I did notice that actually surprised me was how they introduced Michael’s mother in the film. It was apparent that she seemed down on her luck, but the film was sure to show her with virture. They portrayed her to have some heart. And I truly appreciated that and found it to be tastefully done. After seeing some of the scenes with folks from Michael’s old neighborhood, I just said to myself that they were going to make Michael’s mother a tragic uncouth mess. And ahhhhhhhhhh, they didn’t.
Sandra did a great job in her role as the matriarch of the Tuohys. I saw the real Leigh Anne on TV and Sandra did her accent and fiery attitude perfect. I loved it.
No matter how you slice it or dice it. The Tuohys are kind people and the world would be such a better place with a few more Michael Ohrers and the Tuohy families in it.

My Rating ~ 4 Reels

4 - Watch in the theater

Audience Rating (What's Yours?)