A lot over hyped but still delightfully sweet and a touchdown for Bullock

Rating: 9/10 (1 March 2010)

No one seems to make mention of the fact that Ms. Sandra Bullock, former America's sweetheart has been in a slump...a major slump going back as far as 2000 when Miss Congeniality tore up the screen. 2009 was absolutely her glorious comeback with the clever and fun "The Proposal" and this, which will likely be considered her greatest role of her career. This film is her Eric Brockovich. Is that an overstatement? Yes. Is the film brilliant? No. Its not even particularly unique but what it is is fun, heart warming, touching, fun, entertaining, sad and based on a truth...all making it incredibly popular and it would seem as though it has caught on like wildfire. I think the true charm of The Blind Side is that it can appeal to absolutely everyone. Male and female, young and old, children, families and adults. Everyone will find something to relate to in this film. It touches all the right chords and has a really great and charismatic cast that all work wonderful together. If you walk out of this film with dry eyes I doubt you have a heart. Its a rarity for critics and the film viewing public to both see eye to eye when it comes to an emotional sweet film so all power goes to The Blind Side.
As mentioned Sandra Bullock leads the cast as headstrong southern woman Leigh Anne Tuohy. Having seen the real Leigh Anne in interviews I can say that Bullock nails the character. She is an outspoken and strong and you just can't take your eyes off this performance, precisely why she is now looking at an Oscar nomination. Honestly I think that the Academy felt nominating a people's favorite would make the awards popular again but either way Bullock deserves praise for a solid role. If I hadn't seen Tim McGraw in an interview I would condemn him slightly for taking a back seat compared to everyone else in the cast. McGraw is a good actor and could easily hold his own in the film and he's a pleasure to watch but he just isn't front and center but as he said that was exactly the intention because the forefront characters need to be Bullock and Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher. Aaron gives a powerful performance. He's quiet and somber and his entire character is just incredibly touching. If anyone could bring this story to life with emotion Aaron has done it. Jae Head and Lily Collins are terrific supporting members of the cast as the Tuohy children. I think this will do some amazing things for both of their young careers.
Director and writer John Lee Hancock hasn't really had enormous success but having seen a couple of his previous films he has a passion and perhaps this is finally reflective of that passion. He clearly got an incredible cast to work with. On the surface the film really isn't anything groundbreaking. An inspirational sports story? A story about a loving family that takes in a troubled youth? A strong woman fighting for what she believes in? You could likely name a few dozen films easily that encompass this plot. But the heart within the film shines through. The true story will melt your heart and if you get the opportunity to see any of the real people from this story you'll understand just where all that heart comes from. Some critics and reviewers and things you will hear will make The Blind Side sound like the most brilliant film of the year and I would never go that far but it is incredibly entertaining and just very lovely. Definitely worthwhile and sure to please millions and millions of fans as it has already done. A must see!! The perfect family film or for anyone and everyone who likes to be moved by a movie. 9/10