The Blind Side Demonstrates Black History at its Best

Rating: Null/10 (25 June 2012)

You'll be blindsided if you're not at least able to discern basic football positions cited in its intro and used throughout The Blind Side. Narrated by Sandra Bullock in the voice of character Leigh Anne Tuohy, a professional upscale Caucasian wife and mother who opens her house—and heart to a then homeless African American teen referred to as 'Big Mike.' Bullock explains that the job of the left tackle " is to protect the quarterback's blind side."
Although Michael Oher is the focal figure of the heartwarming movie based on true events in his life documented in "The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game," each Tuohy family member has a key role, which figures prominently in helping Oher to overcome the challenges of his impoverished childhood. At the time Oher's unaware of the whereabouts of his drug-abusing mother, who is displaced from their Project apartment.
Accused of having ulterior motives for taking in the genteel and peaceful-natured, promising athlete; the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) investigates the Tuohys on suspicion of being 'boosters' for their alma mater: University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), and imposing undue influence over Oher to play for the school's team. Passed through the educational system with a near zero IQ, below average reading level and no personal records; Oher succeeds despite the odds against him to make the Dean's List, and become a 2009 NFL first-round draft pick offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens.
(Oher's high school assessment test reveals a 98% rating for protective instinct, a pivotal point that factors in the overall film and positive outcome). Youngest child and only son—before legal guardianship of Oher is obtained—adorable pint-sized, freckle-faced charmer Jae Head as SJ (replete with braces), steals the spotlight the moment he appears on screen and holds it to the very end.
Bullock's Oscar-winning portrayal of Leigh Anne's strong,domineering character is evident as she literally bounds into the scene. Not as aggressively but with more subtlety, country crooner Tim McGraw is surprisingly equally endearing as her mild mannered, docile husband Sean, who customarily gives in to his wife's overly willful personality.
The personal photos of Oher, the Tuohys and a video clip of the televised first round draft ceremony shown alongside the ending credits roll, appropriately demonstrate recent black history at its best.