Blind Side

A truly wonderful movie, based on the book Blind Side, Evolution of a Game, by Michael Lewis, the true inspirational story of Michael Oher, an American pro football player. Black (and Big) Michael Oher from the projects was adopted by Republican and White Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy at the Briarcrest Christian School. Michael's loving mother was a crack addict and unable to care for him. The Tuohy's adopted him after their little genius son befriended him and Leigh Anne learned he was living on the streets. What follows is an amazing journey. Quinton Aaron plays Michael and does a truly amazing job of depicting the transformation of a traumatized child who was thought mentally retarded to a bright intuitive college man. Kathy Bates is unforgettable as the Democrat tutor. Sean, the adoptive father, is sensitively played by Tim McGraw.

Sandra Bullock, playing adoptive mother Leigh Anne Tuohy, is the piece de resistance. A true delight in comic and romance movies, she is utterly extraordinary in this deep and moving role. I have always loved Sandra Bullock but thought her not quite in the league of Meryl Streeps whose breadth and depth of portrayal as an actress I've truly admired. As Leigh Annne Tuohy, though, Sandra Bullock is that incredible. She will forever be remembered as one of the truly great female actresses of our day and deserves an Oscar for this performance.

Director and Screenwriter John Lee Hancock has brought the best out in his amazing crew and this remarkably timely story. In the hands of any lesser director the sheer transformational and spiritually profound nature of this story could have been lost in exciting politics and sentimentally touching tale. Given his artist's touch he's brought all the pieces together in the perfect balance that touches the very heart of this uniquely American masterpiece.