effective despite the familiarity of the material

Rating: Null/10 (10 August 2010)

The true story of Michael Oher, a large but sensitive and introverted black teenager in Memphis traumatized by the rough neighborhood he grew up in, as well as his no-account mother and the father he never knew. He has little formal education, and lacks the aggression he needs to play football effectively, but his luck changes after he's taken in by Leigh Anne Tuohy (Bullock), a gracious white woman who adopts him as a member of her family and teaches him how to hone his skills. A bit pat, to say the least, and doesn't provide quite the emotional payoff it needs to really make it soar, but the acting is rock solid and the fact that it's based on a true story makes it feel all the more genuine. The latest in a long line of films you can really get behind, and a good showcase for lead actress Bullock as well. ***