'The Blind Side' review

Hollywood's interference of an interesting true story deserves a 50-yard penalty

By Matt Pais

Posted November 19, 2009

Metromix

Quiet Memphis teen Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron, mildly effective) has no family to care for him. That's until wealthy Leigh Anne Touhy (Sandra Bullock) ignores her bigoted white friends and brings the boy into her home, helping him find success  in the classroom and on the football field. Long story short: Oher is now in his rookie season as a tackle for the Baltimore Ravens.

The buzz: There are a lot of issues involved with adopting troubled kids—particularly when race comes into play—and it’s no big surprise that the slick, family-friendly “The Blind Side,” based on Michael Lewis’ book, largely smoothes over those bumps. Still, maybe this dramedy will provide inspiration about how kids can, with strength, determination and support, overcome difficult upbringings and succeed all the way to the NFL.

The verdict: Written and directed by John Lee Hancock (“The Rookie”), “The Blind Side” feels less like a true story than a synopsis. What’s important is getting to know Oher and the progression of his life through his eyes, not giving a superficial pat on the back to Leigh Anne, her generous husband (Tim McGraw) and her goofball younger son (Jae Head). This generic, largely conflict-free film leaves you not uplifted but wondering whether the Touhys still would have adopted Oher if he wasn’t such a big teddy bear.

Did you know? Leigh Anne takes Michael shopping and tells him that if he doesn’t love something in the store, he’ll never wind up wearing it. Anyone wondering if that’s true should just look in the back of their closet.