The Blind Side | A-

The Blind Side, directed by John Lee Hancock (The Rookie), is an exceptional movie based on the true story of Baltimore Ravens left tackle Michael Oher and the family that took him in from the streets.

Sandra Bullock (Miss Congeniality, The Proposal) delivers one of the best performances of her career playing Leigh Anne Tuohy, the mother of the family that brings Oher into their home. She plays the role of the stern Southern mother perfectly. From the accent to the fiery attitude, Bullock captures the character flawlessly. Country singer Tim McGraw (Friday Night Lights) was also a surprise, with a very solid performance as Sean Tuohy, the father. Each character brings a different aspect to the family dynamic in the film. Quinton Aaron (Be Kind Rewind) is stellar in the role of Michael Oher, and it is easy to fall in love with his adorable teddy bear of a character.

The Blind Side presented itself to be just another mediocre football movie, but the heart of the film is on the level of other great sports movies like Remember the Titans and Rudy. The Blind Side is truly inspirational. It is not just about a team being successful — it is about a family. Michael Oher was a quiet boy at first, but he finally sparked on the football field. It is incredible to see the evolution from when he crashes the wrong side of town to becoming a legitimate member of the Tuohy family and a champion on the field.

The movie moves quickly and the relationships between Michael and his new siblings, S.J. (Jae Head, Hancock) and Collins (Lily Collins), are believable, showing what real-life siblings are like. The film incorporates a range of emotion — the high point being when Oher finally sparks on the football field and the low when he crashes a car with his new little brother in it.

What really makes The Blind Side great is that it’s a true story. The struggle Michael went through and the amazing act of kindness from the Tuohy family are what make this film so uplifting. As the credits roll, pictures of the real Michael Oher and the Tuohy family are shown at some of the proudest moments of their lives, including Oher’s high school graduation and when he was selected for the NFL Draft. This aspect completely captures the inspiration in the movie and adds to the tone perfectly. The Blind Side is a movie that is definitely worth seeing.