"The Blind Side": Dramatic and Inspirational Football Film

The Blind Side (2009) is a drama about Michael Oher. This NFL veteran did not have an easy path to his dream, and this movie depicts him achieving his aspiration. It's cool to note he signed on to the Baltimore Ravens (won a Super Bowl) as a first-round pick just a couple months before the movie's release date. Read the review here now! Spoilers may follow.

Let's get something out of the way first. As with many biography films, it's not always accurate. For instance, the real Michael Oher wasn't clueless about how to play football. He didn't have his adoptive mother coaching him but learned on his own, and I don't see a big issue on some changes for the sake of cinema. Oher isn't a fan to say the least even releasing a book to tell the real story if you want to read that too. In real life, he is happy and relaxed where he's the opposite in the film. However, it still is a great story to base it off of and make a valuable movie.

Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher is a fantastic performance. He hadn't done much before this film, but he is perfect casting. He looks a lot like the real man and does what the script wants. He's done a lot since then but nothing mainstream an average moviegoer would see. One particular moment I enjoyed was throwing the opposing player over the fence because he was saying horrible things. Also, he is great when being questioned by the lawyers, and you feel the emotion. I hope he gets to accomplish more.

Another performance in this film is literally award-worthy. Sandra won the Oscar for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy (the adoptive mother). It completely deserved this honor. She transforms, and she plays the Christian mother to a tee. She makes you believe her feelings. Nothing feels fake. You can tell that she really wants to help him and does her best. It's difficult to pick something, but I like when she is dealing with the football coach. She's abrasive and knows what she wants.

Other moments in the film are satisfactory. The car wreck with Oher and the younger son is a tense moment. Director, John Lee Hancock, knew what he was doing here. There are many more moments as well.

The relationship between Oher and Collins (Lily Collins) is nice to see. Gaining a step-sibling so late in life is a huge transformation.

There are some aspects of the film that could be different. I never believed that he would be that clueless on how to play football. Even a kid from the streets would know that, and Oher knew how in real life anyway. There is some other small stuff too.

Overall, it's an admirable film about football and the struggle to overcome it. I think it is worth a watch. My movie rating is B.