I’ll admit that I’m not normally a “feel good†movie fan, but the Blind Side is now a notable exception for me. Blind Side is one of those films that manage to bring a smile to your face and keep you engaged and involved in the story without ever becoming cheesy. Telling the story of Michael Oher’s ascent from poverty and abuse in to a caring home and football success, this film could have stood on the story alone. But what makes this movie special is the outstanding acting by Bullock and the fact that the acts of caring and perseverance actually happened in real life. Oh yeah, and the fact that there was some football involved helped also ;).
Bullock deserves every accolade she gets for this movie. Portraying the smart, sassy, and go-getting Leigh Anne Tuohy must have been a stretch for Bullock, whose characters are normally more demure. Instead, she comes across as a very believable heroine with a twang. Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher was good, as was Tim McGraw – but neither were in Bullock’s league.
In this day and age of mistrust and skepticism, is it possible for people to have pure hearts? Well, of course, but showing how that can happen without coming across as an infomercial for a charitable cause or a holiday Hallmark movie is a feat not easily achieved. Blind Side sets a new standard for feel-good movies.