| Movie Review The Blind Side |
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| Written by David Delaney |
| Tuesday, 26 January 2010 00:00 |
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Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron star in this mostly accurate story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens, in no small part because of the help of Leigh Anne Touhy and her football friendly family. Living in the same Memphis Tennessee neighborhood, but in drastically different worlds, the lives of Michael Oher and Leigh Ann Touhy take a dramatic turn when she and her family drive past the wondering, homeless, cold and wet athlete of their local high school, and end up taking him home that night. The striking size and color opposites of Bullock and Aaron in their roles hit the screen in an oddity that only the viewer can understand, whilst all the people on screen often look at the two with puzzlement and just a hint of racism.
Michael never leaves the Toughy's home after that night, as a special relationship, and eventual adoption of the quiet "Big Mike" into the Toughy's lives, creates a few obvious challenges but also a more rewarding family life in the end. Leigh Ann Touhy is the real star of this story and Bullock lays it down on film like the real Mrs. Touhy did in real life. Toughness, dedication, love and nurturing, and oh yes, a knowledge of football that makes the high school football coach squirm eve time time she is around. Michael is a slow learner and hardly talks due to some seriously troublesome childhood experiences. Yet he loves sports, and knows enough to appreciate the opportunity he has been given while keeping himself out of trouble on the streets. His biggest challenge is in school, and with the help of his family - I can give this way, because it is fact - Michael not only makes it, he makes it into the first round of the NFL draft where he has just completed his first season for the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL paying the very important roles of left and right tackle during the year. Here is one football movie that fits the bill for a great couple's movie to be appreciated by both. No need to know football, but you'll get to know a remarkable woman and her family. Sandra Bullock won the Golden Globe for her role in this movie and is also nominated for Oscar as Leigh Ann Tougy. |
