MM Film Blog

Sandra Bullock gives a rich and layered Golden Globe and Oscar-winning performance in John Lee Hancock's The Blind Side, based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless teen with a troubled past who was taken in by the Tuohy family and later went on to become a first round NFL draft pick.

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Though Ms. Bullock is no stranger to acting in dramas, she is probably best known for her work in romantic comedies such as While You Were Sleeping, Miss Congeniality (1 and 2), Two Weeks Notice, and The Proposal, to name a few. With the rare combination of her gorgeous good looks, the physical comedic abilities of Lucille Ball, and the girl-next-door charm of Meg Ryan, it is no surprise that she has perfected and even set new standards for the romantic comedy genre. Yet as the no-nonsense, bossy Leigh Anne Tuohy, Ms. Bullock offers a nuanced performance with controlled restraint and subtle facial expressions that is a total departure from her trademark comedic flair. She breathes life into her character, a woman with a tough exterior and a heart of gold. And in some of the film's most touching moments, director Hancock brilliantly shows her face with a side camera angle, so that her internalized reaction becomes even more moving.

Did I say the film is about the story of Michael Oher?

Make no mistake -- Quinton Aaron gives a fine and sensitive performance as the gentle giant who struggles to overcome his past and assimilate into the world of white affluence, and to ultimately become a solid member of the Tuohy family. And Tim McGraw is very sweet and thoughtful in the role of Sean Tuohy. But Sandra Bullock provides the solid core of the film. Yes, it's a heartwarming story, beautifully written and directed by John Lee Hancock, based on Michael Lewis's book. But the performances are what sell it, and particularly that of Ms. Bullock.

Also of note is the performance of Jae Head as young S.J. Tuohy, who embraces his new older brother with fervor and eagerly takes on the role of managing his football career. The relationship between the two "brothers" adds both a comedic element as well as pure joy. Lily Collins rounds out the Tuoy family nicely as Collins Tuohy, S.J.'s older sister. And then there's the inimitable Kathy Bates as the tutor, Miss Sue -- always sassy, always irreverent, and always funny. She adds a nice comic tone to the film, and delivers one of the funniest lines with an absolute straight face!

The film gets its title from the football position played by Michael Oher -- offensive left tackle -- the main function being to protect the quarterback's blind side. Michael is such a gentle soul that he at first has difficulties with the aggressive sport, until Leigh Anne taps into his natural protective abilities -- the one thing that he tested well in in school aptitude tests.

Daniel Orlandi's costumes become almost another character in the film, as Sandra Bullock's character goes through more outfits in 2 hours than Kathie Lee Gifford goes through in a year (and with just as much style)! The outfits make quite a statement about the affluence of the Tuohy's, as well as Leigh Anne's artistic sense as a designer. They are opulent yet tasteful, noticeable yet restrained, beautiful but not flashy -- a perfect reflection of the character who wears them.

The beauty of this film is the statement it makes about the meaning of family, no matter what the roots or how the family members came together. It demonstrates how a family is much more about love and support than about birth, and how much one can achieve with that love and support behind them, no matter what obstacles they may have overcome. It is about looking forward, never back. On the surface it may appear to be yet another feel-good football film, but it is ultimately a film about love. And despite it's PG-13 rating, I would recommend it as a family viewing experience.

MM Rating - **** 1/2