Sighting "The Blind Side"

Rating: 9/10 (23 September 2013)

Based on a true story and best-selling book, "The Blind Side" depicts the story of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a troubled, homeless teenager who is taken in by the family of Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy (Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw). The Tuohy family provides Michael with a bed, buys him clothes, and assists him with his school work. More importantly, they shower "Big Mike" with much needed love and help him reach his full potential. Michael uses this love and help to transform his life in ways that you will have to see to believe. This makes "The Blind Side" a truly inspirational film that I would recommend to anyone and everyone. The film goes above and beyond in many aspects, but the one that clearly stands out most is the phenomenal acting and directing. The actors, actresses, and director do a remarkable job bringing Michael's incredible story to life. Quinton Aaron plays the giant role of Big Mike to perfection. Most actors try to portray a large personality, but Aaron does the exact opposite; he manages to play a shy, quiet, introverted role. Aaron stumbles around dragging his enormous feet on the ground with his skyscraping head hung low. He doesn't talk very much; and when he does, his words are mumbled with little confidence. However, after being taken in by the Tuohy family, Aaron gradually starts to play his role more enthusiastically. He takes pride in his academics and athletics, dances and sings in the car, and shines his vast smile often. Without Aaron's incredible acting, viewers would have a hard time seeing the positive effect the Touhys have on Michael's life. Likewise, the acting of the Touhys shows how much they care for and want to help Michael. McGraw turns himself into a dad who wants nothing more than to see his kids succeed. He treats Michael like a son, goes out of his way to teach Michael football, and even buys him his own truck. On the other hand, Bullock plays the role of a ruthlessly loving mother who never stops fighting for what she thinks is right. Bullock develops a southern accent and a powerful strut that she uses to defend Michael. For example, when she goes into the city slums by herself to look for Michael's real mother, Bullock is the one threatening gang members and not the other way around. There are not too many actresses who can pull off something like that; after all, there is a reason why she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Of course, the characters wouldn't be able to perform their remarkable acting jobs without the script and directing of John Lee Hancock. Hancock did a brilliant job taking Michael's unbelievable story and created a script with dialect that will take your breath away and send shivers down your spine. Furthermore, he found the perfect actors and actresses with personalities and characteristics identical to those of the real-life Michael, Leah Anne, and Sean. After seeing the hardship and triumphs of Michael Oher, viewers will leave the film feeling grateful and motivated. They will feel grateful for everything they have in life and motivated to make the best out the life they have.