Review of The Blind Side (2009) by Joanna B — 28 Feb 2016

Writer/Director John Lee Hancock's adaptation of Michael Lewis' true-story book "The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game" is a tactfully hedged intriguing mixture of complicated socioeconomics', politics and willpower.

Embodying her character as a wealthy All-American Memphis Republican housewife, Sandra Bullock couldn't be more deserving of her first Academy Award nomination in this career-best role. Often overlooked for her questionable comedic pursuits, it is wonderful to see Bullock back in the Drama style she has such talent for.

Finding new talent and athletic prowess is top private school football Coach Burt Cotton's (Ray McKinnon) job. After setting sight on 16-year-old African-American gentle giant Michael Oher, derogatorily known as Big Mike (played by Quinton Aaron), Cotton found the offensive left tackle (Blind Side player) of his dreams.

In an uphill battle, Cotton is determined to convince the straight laced and conservative school board that it is their "Christian duty" to give the boy the education he deserves. Learning disorders and all, Oher is enrolled in school on one condition; he cannot play sports until his grade point average reaches the basic standard.

Quiet and introverted, the undereducated 'Big Mike' instantly falls behind in class, unable to communicate his comprehension in the expected methods. A misfit in every way, Oher's problems stem even further than the classroom. Son of a crack-addicted mother and absentee father, Oher's is alone in the world; homeless, penniless and living out of the school gym.

One night, as Oher waits for the gym to empty, he is confronted by the white well-to-do Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock). Brash in her mother-knows-best approach, Leigh Ann demands that Oher come home with her family.

A woman with purpose in her stride and absolute certainty in her heart, Leigh Ann's perfectly cultured upper-crusted exterior conceals a complex and deeply caring woman.

Concerned with his well-being, Leigh Ann invites Oher to stay. Crossing into the Ghetto (Hurt Village) to collect the last of "Big Mike's" meager possessions, Leigh Ann realizes the extent of society's failures towards Michael and single handedly decides to put them right.

Creating him a home, giving him a personal and respectable identity and getting his grades up to standard, Leigh Ann finally gets him on the football field and the path to a decent life.

As expected this story utilizes every cliché. Can Michael get the grades he needs to get into college? Can he fully comprehend the game well enough to play? Will she stand up to her snobby socialite friends? Does Leigh Ann have an ulterior motive to her do-gooder ways?

If you can see past some of the cringe-worthy 50cent cash-in lines, Bullock injects humor and strength into this very delicate and soft true-story biopic.

The exact opposite to the fictional Best Picture nominee Precious, "The Blind Side" doesn't feel the need to delve into the gritty and authentic sense of defeat and despair of the situation, rather present a cleanly polished, packaged and palatable uplifting journey.

Similarly, opposed to its other Best Picture nominee Invictus, "The Blind Side" doesn't harbor dreadfully on-field, resisting the urge to descend into a mediocre sports movie.

Exceptionally well-cast, Bullock is teamed with movie newcomer Quinton Aaron. Aaron's understated and appealing performance is pleasant and easy to accept. Kathy Bates' contrasting character as a left-wing Democratic tutor sits well within the film. Country Singer Tim McGraw and 12 year old Jae Head bring a well crafted light-heartedness and innocence respectively to the film.

The Verdict: Although nominated for the Best Picture Oscar, this wonderfully positive and emotive story has an overly glossy mainstream style and lacks the hard-edge of its competitors.

Published: The Queanbeyan Age.

Date of Publication: 05/03/2010.