An Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. An Academy Award win for Best Actress. By now practically everyone know the story behind “The Blind Side”, but if you didn’t have a chance to see it when it was out in theaters, you’re in for a real treat.
The moive tells the true story of football player Michael Oher, and the family that takes him in when he starts attending a new high school but doesn’t have anywhere to live.
Michael isn’t dumb, but he’s a bad student and isn’t a great football player. But with the help of some of the teachers and especially the mom of the family – played by Sandra Bullock – he become a pretty good student AND a very good football player, and he may even earn a college scholarship.
This is a true story, but I didn’t know anything about Michael Oher or this family before seeing the movie. The script is both interesting and inspiring – telling people (especially kids who have had rough childhoods) that they can turn their lives around, AND for those who are fortunate, who may be inspired to help kids in need.
Most of the acting in “The Blind Side” is very good, led, of course, by Bullock, who gets is rare starring role – a strong, modern-day female character – and scores a touchdown.
Quinton Aaron is fine as Michael. Tim McGraw and Kathy Bates are also in the cast.
The only bad acting comes from the real-life college football coaches who play themselves. They’re all a mess.
“The Blind Side” is rated PG-13 for some bad language and one violent scene, but it’s appropriate for anyone 10 and up, and you don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy and appreciate the movie.
On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “The Blind Side” gets a solid B.