Fabulous film fit for entire family

Rating: 9/10 (30 November 2009)

My wife and I saw this wonderful movie yesterday. From TV trailers, my wife was more eager than I was to see it. We both thought this was fabulous! Sandra Bullock's character is clearly the star, and, as portrayed, she was clearly the driving force in her family--not that her husband was a nobody, just a bit quieter than she was.
What starts as a sad, dramatic film, quickly moves to being a largely happy one with many, many things that made us laugh. One part that I liked involved the college coaches trying to get Michael to sign with their school saying lines somewhat like the oft-seen Big Ten commercial with all of their coaches.
One reviewer found fault with Michael returning to his old neighborhood when he questioned if he had been used. I think that is what anyone in his position would do. As shown, he wasn't abandoning everything he had achieved, but wanted to talk to his mother.
We thought the role played by Quinton Aaron was played magnificently. It is difficult to act while saying few words and he seemed most believable.
The Tuohy family wasn't doing this as part of some crusade. They sort of fell into helping the young man for one night, and then continued. It wasn't all planned and, although he seemed trustworthy, they did take a risk.
It was refreshing to see a lack of racism on display. The characters were believable, likable--for the most part, and most realistic. The story is truly uplifting. Knowing that it is true makes it much MORE of a great film!