Post by BIGFANBOY on Nov 12, 2009 8:10:12 GMT -5
THE BLIND SIDE
Review by Gary Dean Murray
Sandra Bullock is basically the Rodney Dangerfield of actresses, meaning she gets no respect. Where her like-minded thespians jockey around trying to get the plumb role that will entice Oscar voters, she makes 'simple' comedies and other light fair. Now just about anyone in Hollywood will admit that making a comedy is harder than a drama, because making someone cry is easier than making them laugh. Our Miss Bullock keeps putting out great product that gets the attentions of the masses, with box office grosses that challenge even the biggest male stars. Her newest film is one of her best, The Blind Side.
The story opens with Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) being questioned by someone from the NCAA, wanting to know how a kid from the poor side of the tracks came to live with a white suburban Memphis family. Then we get our "based on a" true story.
Coach Cotton (Ray McKinnon) of a small Christian High School is introduced to Big Mike by a caring adult. It seems that there has been a promise made that Big Mike should be taken out of the projects and given a chance to succeed at a better school. All the coach sees from this huge young man is a football player and lobbies for him to be admitted on a scholarship.
But life isn't easy for this kid in an all-white environment. He barely talks in class and shows no sign of academic excellence. Big Mike begins to make friends with the very young S.J. Touhy (Jae Head). One night, S.J.'s Mom aka Leigh Anne Touhy (Sandra Bullock) sees the young man walking without a coat in the cold and windy night. The family pulls over and insists that Mike spend the night at their house. Thus begins the blending of the unit.
Soon, Mike becomes a part of the Touhy brood. We find that he does understand what is happening in class but has never been encouraged to participate. When the teachers give him the exams orally, he passes. Mike is just another good kid caught in a system that never helps those it has promised to aid. With the aid of tutor Miss Sue (Kathy Bates), the boy does get a fighting chance at academia. Finally, our hero lets Leigh Anne know that he wants to be called Michael and not Big Mike.
The family adjusts to Mike in their lives and, with his improved grades, he gets to go out for football. At first he is just horrible at the game, showing none of the skills needed. Leigh Anne pulls him aside and explains to him that the team is like their family. His job is to protect the family. Once he gets his footing in football, the college coaches begin to show serious interest. The rest of the story concerns the assent of Michael from fumbling footballer to hot college prospect. Along the way we find more about his sadly tragic upbringing; with a unknown father, lost siblings and an addicted mother.
The title The Blind Side refers to the fact that the left tackle is on the quarterback's blind side and it is the responsibility of that left tackle to protect that side of the QB. It is one of the most important positions on the team and the most important positions on the offensive line. The film shows that caring and compassion knows no color or race.
Sandra Bullock is just amazing in a role that looks effortless in the execution. She has all the Southern mannerisms down, giving a detailed reading. The world she runs is a 'take no prisoners' affair, giving tough love to all her kids whether they are biologically hers or tangentially adopted. When given gruff from her lunch buddies, she lays down the law about Michael and his relationship with the family. This is a stunning bit of acting that has all the heart and none of the flash.
Country superstar Tim McGraw plays Sean Touhy, but doesn't give anything but support to an underwritten role. The biggest laughs come from Jae Head as S.J. Touhy. This comic relief just works as he tries to get the best deal from college coaches, not just for Michael but for himself in the bargain. He is the cute kid that doesn't come across as painful to watch.
At the end of the movie, the director gives us pictures and videos of the real Michael Oher. We can see how deftly the crew worked to get the sets, make-up, costumes and details right. Writer/Director John Lee Hancock has captured all the elements of a soft drama in a current context. His touch is deft as he takes the actors through their emotional paces. He balances different elements into a strong narrative whole.
I know that these positive, religion inspired do-good films are a deathblow for Academy gold, but that's just sad. The performance of Sandra Bullock stacks up to any other actress in 2009 and to see this overlooked because it isn't edgy would be one of the biggest injustices of the year.
The Blind Side is a masses enforced, superlative laden experience not to be missed. Not a football film, it is a film of family set in a football meileau. Full of heart and moxie, this is just the kind of film that will ring at the ticket booths, but unfortunately not with Oscar voters.
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