“The feel good movie of the year,” has been the go-to quote amongst cheesy film critics. Those same critics were probably falling all over themselves when The Blind Side was released. This film is the very definition of “feel good” and Oscar bait. Adapted from the non-fiction book by Michael Lewis, Blind Side is based on the true-life story of Michael Oher, an offensive tackle who currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens.
Michael Oher (portrayed by Quinton Aaron) grew up on the wrong side of the tracks in Memphis, Tennessee. His father, an ex-con ran out years ago, while his mother is hopelessly addicted to crack-cocaine. Michael, nicknamed “Big Mike” (for obvious reasons), bounced around schools and foster homes before being enrolled in a private Christian school. In class, he doesn’t say a word and tries to remain invisible. Homeless, he’s found wandering the streets in the rain by Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) whose kids Collins (Lily Collins) and S.J. (Jae Head) attend the same school. Leigh Anne was a star cheerleader and her husband, Sean (Tim McGraw), was a collegiate basketball player and runs several Taco Bell franchises.
The Tuohys welcome Michael into their home, despite objections from Leigh Anne’s circle of well-to-do friends. The family hires a sassy tutor named Miss Sue (Kathy Bates) and everyone works together to instill confidence in Michael. Soon, he’s excelling academically as well as on the football field.
Michael Oher’s true life story is an interesting tale, but the film tells that story in the most uninteresting of ways. John Lee Hancock (who directed another inspirational sports film in The Rookie) directs the proceedings with all the flair of a Lifetime movie-of-the-week. Hancock also wrote the screenplay which (no pun intended) whitewashes the story in order to remain inoffensive to mass audiences. At least a film like Precious isn’t afraid to show the world with warts and all, but in The Blind Side even crack houses and gang infested ghettos look like nice places to live.
Sandra Bullock has become a staple of awards season this year. She’s become the first actress ever to be nominated for an Oscar (for this film) and a Razzie (for All About Steve) simultaneously. Most of the time, actresses are glammed down for award-winning performances. Instead, Bullock is glammed up as Leigh Ann with perfectly styled blonde hair and tan in the can skin. She has the country fried accent down and plays Leigh Anne as a force of nature.
When you hear lines like, ”I’m not changing his life…he’s changing mine,” you can’t help but just roll your eyes. Yet, it’s easy to see why The Blind Side would play in Middle America. The picture is a Hallmark card brought to life. This is a crowd pleasing movie with a happy ending and easy answers.
Rating; **
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