'The Blind Side'

'The Blind Side' (PG-13) ***1/2

Writer: John Lee Hancock based on book "The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game" by Michael Lewis
Director: John Lee Hancock
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quentin Aaron, Kathy Bates, Lily Collins, Jae Head

I would call "The Blind Side" a great sports movie but it is deeper than just being labeled a sports movie. This is an inspiring, crowd pleasing drama that is about family and finding yourself. Though it also does a good job of showing us the strategy of football to a certain point. This movie is in the same style of "Rudy" as an underdog athlete finds his way and succeeds in his goals. "The Blind Side" is based on a true story about Baltimore Ravens Offensive lineman Michael Oher who was a homeless teen who was taken in by wealthy socialite Leigh Anne Touhy and her family and given a home. Leigh Anne is played by Sandra Bullock in the best performance of her career. Bullock has always been fun to watch on screen and I remember having a deep crush on her when I saw "Speed" and "Demolition Man". She has done a lot since "Speed" but I find most of the romantic comedies she does to be beneath her including one of the worst movies of this year "The Proposal". This is one of her smartest roles and she is up to the task and might finally get her first Oscar nomination. She is strong, tough, funny, looks good in her tight wardrobe and totally becomes Leigh Anne. Tim McGraw is also good as her husband showing he can actually act well and Quentin Aaron does a fine job as Mike. There are inspiring scenes, funny ones mostly involving Leigh Anne's son (Jae Head)and a good depiction of strong family bonds and all the football scenes are well handled. Though I do find it hard to believe that Leigh Anne alone was responsible for Mike learning how to finally block and become a better football player. That is okay for I fell in love with Leigh Anne's family, Michael and his growth as a football player and Kathy Bates as a tutor who is hired to help Michael with his studies. "The Blind Side" is a very pro family movie that is entertaining, will make you cheer and let you see that Sandra Bullock always had it in her to deliver an outstanding performance when lately Hollywood has let her down. She gives a commanding performance in a very inspirational movie.