The Blind Side Is an Eye Opener

Rating: 9/10 (22 March 2010)

In football, the quarterback's blind side gets protected by the left tackle. Put into everyday's terms that means protect your friends, your family, your loved ones. Meet the Tuohys, a wealthy Tennessee family, who offer their living room couch to Michael Oher, a homeless African American teen, because it's the right thing to do. The results of this pure act of kindness are inspirational, uplifting and thoroughly satisfying. Sandra Bullock's Academy Award winning, knock out performance is the heart and soul of this film, but she couldn't have been this good without anyone to play off: Tim McGraw as her adoring sweetheart of a husband; Lily Collins as the teenage daughter who refreshingly plays against type and expectations; young Jae Head who declares every scene he's in his own; and the inimitable Kathy Bates in a minor but pivotal role. Relative newcomer Quinton Aaron is a marvel to watch as Michael. Kudos to director Hancock for keeping it grounded and believable. A feel good movie if ever there was one. For those who doubt that life sometimes provides the best stories, keep your hankies ready.