The Blind Side

My first reason for wanting to see this film was the lovely Ms Sandra Bullock. In the extremely self-obsessed industry that is Hollywood, she seems to have managed to stay well grounded and most importantly doesn't appear to take herself too seriously. I also wanted to see it because I'd heard that it was a based on a true story about a white wealthy republican woman who took in a homeless black boy. Although I seldom admit it, I'm something of a firm believer in the good of people, regardless of colour or creed, I think that at the core we are decent beings who want to help and support each other. Before you scoff, note I say at the core....for some people there are tons of mean-spirited layers to peel off before you can find their goodness.
The Blind Side is a lovely film, one that warms your heart and makes you question what you would do in such a situation. Sandra Bullock plays Leigh Anne Tuohy brilliantly; although she is a Christian Republican, there is no sanctimonious preaching and hardly any reminders of her family's political views except for when she finally comes across a democrat. She is a reminder of what a good Christian should be like, or rather what a good person should be like...regardless of their religious beliefs and political views.
If I had one criticism of this film it would be that her family seemed unrealistically perfect; perhaps this was intentionally done to provide a stark contrast with Michael's life or perhaps this really is what the Tuohy family is/was like. Whatever the reason, my feeling is that watching a beautiful couple who never argue, and children who don't seem to give their parents any cause for concern make it hard for most of us to relate. However this was a minor point, the film in itself was well done and Sandra Bullock is deserving of her Oscar Award. The key factor that makes The Blind Side special though is that it's based on fact not fiction.
All in all, a great film - even though American football is still a mystery to me, I was left with a warm feeling and a smile on my face.