THE BLIND SIDE (REVIEW)
Inspired
by a true story, despite what you may think this film is about, it is not an American
football movie. The focus is on a relationship between an unlikely mother &
son.
Sandra Bullock, in the role of her career, plays Leigh
Anne Tuohy. A no-nonsense Christian and Tennessee wife dedicated to her loving
family, she welcomes in a promising young black student, Michael, into her home.
He has nowhere else to go due to a mother more concerned about drugs than her
teenage son's welfare.
A sensitive boy, Michael has a damaged
frailty that is matched by his poor grades. At first he feels he is not fitting
in, feeling like an outsider and not accepting help. Leigh Anne takes it upon
herself to restructure his life in order for him to have equal opportunity to
learn with the other students and also to do one her favourite things, play football
for her beloved Rebels. Michael is huge, standing at over 6 feet with a frame
like a refrigerator, perfect for a potential wrecking ball on the field.
To
gain access to a scholarship and improve his schooling, a tutor is hired, Miss
Sue (the lovely Kathy Bates) who also becomes quite close to the introverted teen.
Juggling her own children and her fast-food entrepreneur husband, Leigh Anne's
maternal determination shines through. This caring woman shows common decency
and an everlasting initiative to help others. With ideas of officially adopting
the boy, this Memphis belle makes it her mission to make Michael realise his potential
within, opening up a side to him that has yet to be distinguished.
It's
been a defining twelve months for star Sandra Bullock. 'The Proposal' was her
biggest box office hit so far, surpassing even 'Speed', while another film, 'All
About Steve', was considered her worst film ever (personally, I didn't think it
was that bad).
Now, as the frosted blonde southern spitfire
of a woman who nurtures a gentle giant, Bullock has deservedly received her first
Oscar nomination. A scene stealer, in which she addresses the high school football
team in front of a disgruntled coach, is one of the many irrepressible moments
Sandra Bullock has as the unsung saint of the film.
Country
singing sensation Tim McGraw, who also showed fine acting skills in the thriller,
'The Kingdom', plays the easy-going husband without much to say. However, it is
newcomer to the big screen and actual NFL player, Quinton Aaron, as Michael, who
stands out. His fish out of water plight is a perfect fit in this endearing story.
The
title refers to a play of protection on the football field, that Leigh Anne also
illustrates in real life. By the end of this powerful film, the audience is likely
to be crying and cheering at the same time. 'The Blind Side' is a touchdown!
Shane
A. Bassett
