A very good film that only suffers from everything being so perfectly wonderful (and an ending that you know going in)

Rating: 6/10 (29 November 2009)

Story of Michael Oher a kid from the wrong side of the tracks, who's father dies and mother is an addict. He's given a chance to go to an expensive prep school because of his size, but academically can barely keep up. Brought home one day by the parents, the Touhys, of one of his friends Big Mike when they find out he has no where else to go he finds himself adopted and his whole life transformed.
Probably the biggest feel good film of the year looks to be heading towards Oscar nominations if not actual wins. Its a well made, well acted film that looks and feels like a real winner.
Why then am I so unhappy? Mostly I'm unhappy since the film is so by the numbers that there is little chance to feel anything but inspiration and a sense that this is "so great". Its so wonderfully cheery that I got a sugar rush. There seems to have been very little in the way of obstacles, its just nice people doing the right thing and helping a good kid. Granted it doesn't help that the ultimate ending has been touted in all of the press for the film (Oher was recruited by the NFL) but at the same time it leaves little in the way of discovery for the audience except those who want to be lead by the nose to a conclusion they know going in.
Don't get me wrong, its not a bad movie, its actually quite good, its just emotionally suspect with any feeling coming from the buttons it clearly is pushing.(I know old Hollywood used to do the same thing but they could at least trick you into not seeing the buttons) Much better than the 6 out of 10 I've rated it, I simply can't rate it higher because its too manipulative.