The Blind Side

Based on a true story, "The Blind Side" is an inspirational sports story that explores the crossroads of race and wealth. This story follows the real-life story of Baltimore Ravens' football player, Michael Oher.

This movie is about a homeless black teenager, Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), whose life is transformed when the rich Tuohy family takes him in. What was supposed to only be a night, turns into a week, and eventually longer than they would have ever imagined. Oher also ends up giving the Tuohys more than they could have ever given him.

After time, Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) realizes that Oher could have much potential on the football field. However, because of Oher's past, his schooling and knowledge of football is far below his classmates'. With much determination, the entire Tuohy family does what it takes to help Oher succeed. Oher does succeed and becomes the leader of the team. Then the challenge of choosing which college to go to on a football scholarship, presents a great confrontation between Oher and his family.

All at the same time, Oher struggles with his past alongside this new life.

Director John Lee Hancock writes a story that makes a strong statement about racial barriers. The movie presents a strong relationship between an African American teenager and a Caucasian family. This relationship is very well written. I liked how the family welcomed him into their family, and how they, especially the children, made him feel comfortable.

The acting in this movie is phenomenal. I have always been a Bullock fan, and she continues to live up to her name in this movie. She portrays the dramatic intensity of the situation very well, along with all the other actors. The audience understands how important this situation really is. In addition to Bullock, it was nice to see Tim McGraw in an acting role. I wasn't sure how well he was going to be as an actor, but he surprised me and did a very good job at playing Sean. The other actors did a good job as well; they all played their characters well.

I also enjoyed the range of this movie. It is a movie that everyone will enjoy. It is a great date movie. The men get their sports fill with the football parts of the movie, while the woman will enjoy the tear-jerker aspect of the movie.

The only suggestion I have for this movie is about some of the unfinished storylines. I would have liked to have seen a conclusion or a close to some parts of the movie, including Oher's relationships with his mother and his brother. It is never mentioned what happened with those relationships, for example, does he talk to them now?

I would have also liked to have seen more about Oher's life in college at the end of the movie. Possibly foreshadowing his life to come in the pros?

This movie is very moving, and by the end of it, it made me want to go out and do something worthwhile. It was one of the best movies I have seen in a while. I would not be surprised if it wins an Oscar.