Movie Review: The Blind Side
By LAUREN ZIMA
The Blind Side isn't just a family film, it's a film about family. And the movie is enjoyable, though it leaves a few big issues in its blind spot.
Sandra Bullock stars as Leigh Anne Touhy, a stylish Southern woman who always gets her way. Touhy takes in Michael (Quinton Aaron), a 6-foot-6-inch homeless black teen, and helps him start a career in football. More importantly, she makes him part of her family (Tim McGraw is her husband, and Jae Head and Lily Collins play son S.J. and daughter Collins.) The movie is based on the true story of Michael Oher, who now plays for the Baltimore Ravens.
Bullock's performance is solid, if understated. Sandra's lookin' great, but she could've had a little more fun as Touhy; instead of a steel magnolia, she's platinum. This is the The Blind Side's problem: It stays surface-level throughout. Touhy is shown as a firecracker, but viewers never find out what made her that way. And in an even bigger blind spot, the obvious issue of race comes up but isn't truly addressed. McGraw is good, not great, as Sean. Head is a hilarious little burst of energy in every scene, and Collins (yes, Phil's daughter) is decent in her first film. Aaron doesn't have many lines, but he speaks volumes with subtle nods and expressive eyes.
In terms of sports films, inspiration has been done better before. But moviegoers will find themselves laughing several times, especially at the adorable relationship between Michael and S.J. (watch for when tiny S.J. helps "Big Mike" train for football season). The problem is The Blind Side never makes the Hail Mary gamble that would've made it a classic. Viewers might get the sense that they’re supposed to cry, but the tears just don’t come. Ultimately, while the film’s not necessarily a dead ball, its attempt is incomplete.
Vox Rating: VVVV (out of five)
Originally Published Nov. 21, 2009
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.
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