Entertaining, but irritatingly soft-to-the-touch

Rating: 6/10 (26 July 2018)

2.5/4
There is something so undeniably inept about the way The Blind Side is presented. It's an entertaining movie, but it seems to dispel any hard facts, and glide thoughtlessly over big issues. This gives way to a movie that feels like it was carried by its many embellishments and heavily watered-down.
This is based on the true story is of a 17-year-old names Michael Oher. He lives a life devoid of any opportunities. One day, a family takes him in, sends him to a prestigious private school, teaches him how to play football, and ultimately lands him on the Baltimore Ravens. It's a truly great story, but it was told in a very glib manner. It was also told in an arguably degrading way towards its real-life counterpart. In case you didn't know, Michael Oher himself has been vocal about that.
The acting and character interactions were quality, and probably the best aspect of this movie. Sandra Bullock gives a powerful, if not over-acted, female lead. When the characters don't feel like they're putting on an act, they're actually quite charming.
What is left of the movie runs together much in the manner of a train crash for me. The story seems to rushed to give its own merits any attention. The movie glides in-and-out of focus of what it needs to do: shed light on the issues it introduced. While it told a story well, it didn't leave you thinking about the movie.
Overall, The Blind Side is extraordinarily average. It's neither memorable for its football, nor its drama, and it doesn't give a true story a good movie-screen experience. Remember The Titans? I wish.