Fri 20 Nov 2009
The Blind Side
By Cassandra Z. Hughes
[3] Comments
Someone’s been drinking their milk.
Theatrical Release Date: 11/20/2009
Director: John Lee Hancock
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kim Dickens, Adriane Lenox, Kathy Bates
“The Blind Side” is the extraordinary true story of Michael Oher (Baltimore Raven’s 2009 NFL Draft pick) and the Tuohy family. I truly believe that this is movie is an instant classic in the making; an uplifting, inspirational, heart warming true story of love, redemption, and hope. I went to this film expecting a mediocre, mushy sports movie whose plot has been completely given away by the trailers, but walked away, pleasantly surprised, having seen a fantastic journey through the life and experiences of one “family.”
One of the things I found particularly charming about this film was its superb character development. It was refreshing to finally see a movie take the time to develop not one, but several characters. Even more astonishing though, was that this character development was well done and never felt forced or contrived. Characters were unique with their own perspectives and personalities. Their individuality was further strengthened by the interplay between characters.
“The Blind Side” was superbly cast and incredibly well acted. Casting was phenomenal, really capturing the essence of the actual people being portrayed. Sandra Bullock did a sensational job portraying Leigh Anne Tuohy, giving audiences the finest performance of her career. Honestly, the caliber of her performance should at least earn her an Oscar nod.
The biggest surprise by far, were the performances of relative new comers Jae Head and Quinton Aaron, who simply stole the show with their portrayals of S.J. Tuohy and Michael Oher. Their relationship as brothers was a compilation of dichotomies including size, personality, age, and ethnicity bridged by love and friendship.
Costuming, sets, hair, and make-up were excellent. Cinematography and direction were wonderful with a strong, inspirational soundtrack. Script was amazing. It was thought provoking, funny, and touching making this movie is a unique combination of docudrama and comedy.
Although this movie is about football, it’s not a true classic sports film; truthfully, football is more of a byline in this intricate plot. This is the first movie in a long time that has made me want to learn more about the people and story behind it. Not only will the movie be joining my collection, but I also look forward to reading the book (Blind Side: Evolution of the Game by Michael Lewis) in the near future. This is a must see movie, destined to become one of the great classics. Stay through the credits as the movie uses photos and videos of the real family as an epilogue of where the story is now. “The Blind Side” is not nearly as sappy as I suspected, but it is truly heart warming, earning an ecstatic 5 of 5.
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November 28th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
It sort of pains me to say so but I have to admit that this was a very, very good film. I’d probably have given it a 4 and while it’s one of, if not the very, best performance of Sandra Bullock’s, I don’t think she should be up for any awards in 2009. She fit the character quite well but I’ve seen a lot of other actresses portray characters with more arc to their development.
Still, if you’re a fan of good family entertainment, stories that will touch your heart, or were interested in the story of Michael Oher, “The Blind Side” is well worth checking out.
March 11th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
I can only say that this movie was an extraordinary movie….It was also fun, and I hope that many black and white people will get to be like the mother and the adopted son in this movie…
June 28th, 2011 at 6:15 am
The Blind Side is one f the most inspirational movies i have ever seen.For a family to take a teenager in off the street and give him a second chance at life is a beautiful thing and I think people can really learn from this movie. It shows that no matter who you are or where you come from you can do what you want to do and be what you want to be if you just try. Even S.J and Michael being friends is something we can all learn from, no matter how different two people are, they can still care for each other and be friends. In other words, don’t judge people on looks because there more than you think and you have no idea what they have been through. To say this movie is good is an understatement, this movie is extraordinary and it really can touch your heart.