Blind Side

I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. It held the interest of 2 people in their mid-40s, a 10-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy, who deemed the movie “something to think about” and “inspirational.”  I’d normally write off a movie like this as Hollywood fluff – but it’s based on the real-life story of NFL rookie, Michael Oher. It’s an amazing account of a young man’s transformation all because of a chance encounter with a big-hearted woman and a family with loving, open arms.

A product of the crime-ridden Memphis projects, “Big Mike,” played by Quinton Aaron, is a gentle giant who bounces from one foster home to another. He has no idea who or where his father is and hasn’t seen his drug-addicted mother for years. Mike winds up at a private school on the other side of the tracks and his new life begins when he crosses paths with the Tuohys.  If it wasn’t for them, Mike would be right back where he started, instead of graduating from the University of Mississippi and playing for the Baltimore Ravens.

Sandra Bullock outdoes herself as real-life Memphis mom, Leigh Anne Tuohy – a woman whose family is turned upside down when she spots a boy with no where to go and not much more than the shirt on his back. The family takes Michael into their hearts and home, where his lives and theirs, are changed forever.

Without giving away the details, Bullock’s portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy as a kind-hearted, head-strong woman is spot-on. The children, particularly son S.J., enthusiastically welcome Mike into their home. There are funny moments, sad moments, but mostly inspiring ones. It’s a great choice if you want to get in the true spirit of the holidays.

–Reviewed by Donna Gaidamak