The Blind Side

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Written by Jake Meyers-Snowball

Grade: A

The Blind Side is a film representation of the true story of a man named Michael Oher (Oher being pronounced “just like the one you use on a boat,” according to Sandra Bullock).  The real Michael Oher is currently in his rookie year, starting as a left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL, and the movie is the engaging story of his life.   What makes his life (and therefore the movie) so incredible is the strength and devotion of Leigh Anne Touhy, played by Sandra Bullock, the woman that brought Oher into her home and made him a part of her family.

I gave The Blind Side a well-deserved A for incredible acting, especially from Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron, the 6ft 8in man who plays Michael Oher.  Sandra Bullock does an amazing job playing the powerful Leigh Anne, who demands respect from everyone and who doesn’t take crap from anybody.  Quinton Aaron is the other half of the movie’s emotional side; he is quiet, shy, funny and strong as hell.  Half of the most intense scenes of the film are Bullock and Aaron’s facial expressions and tacit communication.

Oher grew up homeless in the projects, and the film features a couple powerful scenes showing his later visits to his home neighborhood.  These scenes, rather than dominating the story, simply add balance to the film, so it does not become a pure chick flick.  The Blind Side also made me laugh out loud several times, most often precipitated by Leigh Anne’s youngest son and Michael’s step-brother SJ, played by Jae Head.  SJ becomes Michael’s closest friend and doubles as his training coach for football.  His gapped teeth and hilarious lines give the film a lighter side that fits in perfectly with the more serious themes.  Most all of the humor provided by SJ and occasionally by Leigh Anne is somewhat inappropriate, but fortunately it appeals to both men and women.  The movie also boasts several scenes of Michael kicking ass on the field, all of which are awesome.

I recommend this movie to everyone, for it offers a wide variety of entertainment: action, inappropriate humor, emotion, and power.  However, it is still a story about a man who grew up homeless in the ghetto; as such, this emotional side of the film is fairly prominent.  So if you despise heartwarming movies of any kind, The Blind Side isn’t for you.

1. Mao Mei Says:
   December 12th, 2009 at 10:36 am

   Sounds like a movie worth watching, unlike twilight (in Henry’s opinion anyway).

   [Reply]