The Blind Side
By Marshall Fine
Rating:
Who's in it: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw
What it's about: A rich suburban family in Memphis takes in a homeless black teen, who becomes part of the family and blossoms into a high school football star.
First down: Based on the true story of Michael Oher (now with the Baltimore Ravens), this film stars Bullock as a fiercely protective mom who responds to the plight of the gentle giant, known as Big Mike (Quinton Aaron). The abandoned product of a drug-addicted mother and an uncaring foster system, Michael comes out of his shell when Bullock and her family treat him as one of them. He also learns the game of football and becomes a stand-out, sought by every major college. Aaron is a newcomer who finds the sadness and strength in the character. But it's Bullock's movie; she's outstanding as a snippy mama-bear who's afraid of no one when it comes to protecting her family - including her adopted son.
Long story short: This feel-good hit is a touchdown from start to finish.
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